Northlands Park: Kool Atlantic going for third straight

Kool Atlantic will try and stretch his winning streak to three when he runs in a $10,000 claiming race at Northlands Park Wednesday. The six-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up drew 10 horses and goes as race the seventh race.

Kool Atlantic started his streak for trainer Robert Macdonald with an easy 6 1/2-length win over Sparhawk in a $5,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two in 2012. He was claimed out of the race by trainer Tim Rycroft, who was acting on behalf of Cliff Strandquist.

Strandquist is already out on Kool Atlantic, having picked up $5,298 for his win over Turnagain Taylor in a $7,500 claiming race July 8. It was a key race, with both Turnagain Taylor and Excessive Baggage coming back to win their next start.

Kool Atlantic also won a $5,000 claiming race for nonwinners on the year May 21. In all of his wins at the meet he came from off the pace, and with an abundance of speed in the field he should get the kind of trip he needs to keep his streak going.

Apprentice rider Scott Williams rides Kool Atlantic. Williams is the leading rider at the meet with 61 wins, but a very hot Rico Walcott is sitting just behind him with 58 wins.

Walcott rides Montellano, who will be one of the several horses vying for the early lead. Trained by Cody Anderson, Montellano was an easy four-length winner the last time he ran for $10,000, which came for trainer Kirsty Left-Nault June 3. Anderson claimed him out of the race for himself, and in Montellano’s first start back he forced a quick pace before fading in a $22,000 claiming race June 15. In his latest race, Montellano forced the pace before tiring to finish a distant third in a $15,000 claiming race July 6.

Siberian Cocktail used his good speed to win three races in a row racing for trainer Robertino Diodoro before finishing third behind Siberian Cocktail July 8. He was claimed out of the race by trainer James Hoffman.

◗ The first two races on the nine-race card are Quarter Horse stakes races. Post time for the $16,000 Black Gold Insulation Classic for 3-year-olds and up going 770 yards is 6 p.m. Tres Seis Smooches has been installed as the 2-1 morning live favorite for the $25,000 Alberta Bred Derby Final, which drew 10 horses going 330 yards.