Northlands: Canadian Derby purse cut by $100K; new Red Smith Stakes worth $50K

The Grade 3, $200,000 Canadian Derby highlights 38 stakes totaling $2.1 million at Northlands Park this year. The 84-day meet runs from May 4 through Oct. 13.

The purse for the 1 3/8-mile Canadian Derby, Aug. 25, was cut by $100,000 from last year, but the overall stakes total is roughly the same as in 2011.

Making up part of the difference is a new race honoring Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Red Smith. The $50,000 Red Smith for 3-year-old fillies is scheduled for July 14.

The premier race for 3-year-olds and up, the 1 3/8-mile Speed to Spare, has been increased by $25,000 to $100,000. The Speed to Spare will run Sept. 29.

Alberta Fall Classic Day, featuring seven $50,000 stakes races restricted to Alberta-breds, is set for Sept. 15.

The $50,000 Spangled Jimmy for 3-year-olds and up headlines four stakes on July 21. The stakes-rich card has been dubbed "Super Saturday."