Northlands Park: Keene On Demand, Just Gone look sharp for co-features

A couple of first-level allowance races for 3-year-olds will share top billing at Northlands Park on Saturday.

Keene On Demand looks like the one to beat in the shorter version, which drew six horses going 6 1/2 furlongs in the second race. Just Gone should appreciate stretching out to a mile in the ninth race, which drew seven horses. Post time for the first of 10 races carded is 1 p.m. Mountain.

Keene On Demand was very impressive winning his debut going six furlongs in a maiden special weight race for trainer Ron Chabot on June 5. Breaking from the outside post in a 10-horse field with Quincy Welch aboard, Keene On Demand went wide around the first turn and after moving into contention at the quarter pole he dropped down to the rail, where he made a strong move around the stretch turn. He took over the lead coming into the stretch and appeared to have plenty left when he drew off to win by 2 1/2 lengths.

There should be an honest pace for him to work with, and if he takes the expected move forward in his second start, he should be tough to handle with Welch retaining the mount.

Trainer Deanna Walper had Keep'nitcountry primed for a big race when he debuted in a $12,000 maiden-claiming race June 1. Breaking alertly with Ruben Lara aboard, Keep'nitcountry forced a modest pace before drawing off to win by seven lengths. He will have to deal with other speed here, especially Swiss Idol, who is coming off a front-running win in a maiden special weight race May 24
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In the ninth race, Just Gone will be looking to regain his 2-year-old form that saw him win his debut and finish second in three straight stakes races.

Trained by Rod Cone, Just Gone closed his 2012 season with a strong effort in the one-mile $50,000 Canadian Juvenile. He is the only horse in the field with any experience going around three turns, and he could be ready for a peak effort in his third start at the meet. He wasn't a factor in either of his first two sprints in first-level allowance races this year, but both times he ran into horses who completely dominated their competition. He finished third behind Tigger Town, who won by 10 lengths May 10, and fourth in For Cash's 8 1/2-length romp May 29.

Five Minute Major will be tested for class and stamina after winning his debut in a $7,000 maiden-claiming race by 15 lengths as the odds-on favorite May 29.