Northlands: Crafty Critter in sharp form for sprint

Crafty Critter will try and start another winning streak when she drops into a $15,000 claiming race at Northlands Park Friday. The six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares drew seven horses, and Crafty Critter figures to be one of the favorites along with Recounted and Chatahoochie.

Trained by Tim Rycroft, Crafty Critter made a quick ascension at the beginning of the meet. She was an easy winner when she made her seasonal debut in a $3,000 conditioned claiming race going 3 1/2 furlongs May 6 and came right back to beat $5,000 conditioned claimers eight days later. She moved up to face $7,500 open company going six furlongs May 29 and she easily handled the jump in class, romping by seven lengths. In her latest start she forced the pace and held on well to finish a clear second in a $20,000 claiming race June 12. She is versatile and should be able to stalk what should be a lively pace.

Apprentice jockey Scott Williams was aboard for Crafty Critter’s three wins and picks up the mount from Stephan Heiler, who rode her last time.

Recounted will try and rebound after finishing seventh in Crafty Critter’s last race. Trained by Greg Tracy, Recounted broke poorly and was steadied early when she was eager to run but had nowhere to go. She won a $20,000 claiming race going six furlongs in her previous start and could be dangerous if she breaks alertly.

Chatahoochie had a wide trip in the same race and came back to score a front-running win in a $15,000 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs June 22. Trainer Robert McKenzie scratched her out of a one-mile $20,000 claiming race Wednesday to run here.