Noble Halo favored

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Noble Halo, the only winner in the field, is the probable favorite in Friday's $35,000 Graduation Stakes at Assiniboia. Six 2-year-olds will run in the 5 1/2-furlong race.

Noble Halo, trained by Emile Corbel for Red Diamond Stable, defeated two of his Friday rivals, Western County and Warmnfuzzyfeelin, in a maiden race at about three furlongs here June 20.

The likely second choice is Ponoka, trained by Greg Tracy. Ponoka ships in from Northlands Park for the Graduation. He has finished second twice in maiden special weight races going 3 1/2 furlongs, at Stampede Park and Northlands Park.

Ponoka is a full brother to stakes winner Hit Man Mackee, who won the Tukwila Stakes at 2, and to the stakes-placed Jocko Miss.

Western County finished two lengths behind Noble Halo in his debut. Western County's dam, Clayton County, is a half-sister to three stakes-placed winners, including White Eyed Judge, an earner of $178,580 who placed in the $50,000 Noble Dancer and Camden handicaps.

Warmnfuzzyfeelin finished third, beaten 2 1/2 lengths in the Noble Halo race. A filly, Warmnfuzzyfeelin was a little green in her opener and improvement is expected.

Those seeking a better price may want to take a close look at Ericka's Lass. A filly, she finished second behind runaway winner Miz Mitzie in her only start, going about three furlongs here June 28. Miz Mitzie would have been favored in the Graduation.

Rounding out the field is Blowin the Gold, who finished seventh after showing some brief speed in the Miz Mitzie race.

* Remiewaterbluz upset 3-2 favorite Regal Heir in the $35,000 Canada Day Stakes here Tuesday.

Remiewaterzbluz, a 4-year-old filly, stalked pacesetter Regal Heir through fractions of 23.60 seconds, 48.20, and 1:13.60 before taking over the lead in early stretch and drawing away to win by 4 1/2 lengths. She ran the mile in 1:41.40.

Regal Heir held the place by three lengths over Top Stage Dancer.

Trained by Clayton Gray for Well-Being Stable, Remiewaterbluz won the first stakes of her career. Ridden by Juan Crawford, Remiewaterbluz paid $6.20 as the second choice in the field of seven.