Northlands: Bobby Handy could be long gone in Wednesday feature

Bobby Handy looks like the one to catch and beat in a $30,000 claiming race that will serve as Wednesday’s feature at Northlands Park. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew six horses and goes as the fourth race.

Bobby Handy is coming off a second-place finish in a similar race Aug. 3. He set fast interior fractions and he also may have bounced after running the best race of his career. Making his first start for trainer Rod Cone, who claimed him on behalf of Can Media Inc. for $15,000 June 30, Bobby Handy scored a 7 1/2-win over Major Temper in a one-mile $22,000 claiming race July 13. He was given an 85 Beyer Speed Figure, which was easily the highest in his 22-race career.

Jose Guerrero retains the mount.

Aces Again looks like the only horse in the field that is capable of putting early pressure on Bobby Handy and he will appreciate the easier company after finishing well back in the $50,000 Spangled Jimmy July 21. Trained by Amanda Gregory, Aces Again closed out his 2011 season with a head loss to Mr. Shadar in the $50,000 Harvest Gold Plate but he hasn’t made an impact in any of his four races this year.

If Aces Again does try to run with Bobby Handy early it could set up nicely for Paseo Alegro. Trained by Amber Meyaard, Paseo Alegro rallied to finish third in the same race Bobby Handy exits. His only win going farther than six furlongs came in 2010 in his second start, when he was trained by Todd Pletcher. He won a one-mile $75,000 maiden claiming race over the Gulfstream Park turf course.

Mr. Shadar, trained by Rick Hedge, is the most accomplished horse in the field with five stakes wins. In his best race this year he finished second to Tiny Giant going 6 1/2 furlongs in a $40,000 optional claiming race July 14. He is coming off a dull effort in a $40,000 optional race Aug.11, and it was the first time the classy 6-year-old gelding was eligible to be claimed in his 38-race career.

◗ Kicking off the 10-race card are three Quarter Horse stake races headed by the $21,000 Alberta Stallion Stakes Derby Final. Erica Rae will likely be favored in the 330-yard dash, which drew 10-horses and goes as the third race.