Northlands Park: Langfuhr Max looks to continue success in first start away from home track

The last time Double Kisses and Langfuhr Max met was in the 2012 Saskatchewan Derby at Marquis Downs, where Double Kisses edged Langfuhr Max by a neck. They look like major players when they renew acquaintance in an $8,000 claiming race that will serve as Friday’s feature at Northlands Park. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew seven horses and goes as the seventh race on an eight-race card that begins at 6 p.m. Mountain.

Langfuhr Max will be making his first start away from Marquis Downs, where he compiled a solid 6-1-1 record from 11 starts for trainer Al Hanson. He is coming off a sharp front-running win going seven furlongs in an allowance race Sept. 14 with Krista Carignan aboard. Last year, he won back-to-back stakes races going one mile, so he shouldn’t have any trouble handling the added distance. He also will be making his first start for trainer Robertino Diodoro, who is currently sitting second in the trainer’s standings behind Greg Tracy.

Carignan, who is off to a hot start at Northlands with 5 wins from her first 13 mounts, abandons Langfuhr Max to ride Double Kisses. Leading apprentice Amie Pooli picks up the mount.

Double Kisses will appreciate the easier company after going unplaced in the $50,120 Alberta Breeders’ Handicap on Sept. 21. Trained by Red Smith, Double Kisses rallied to finish second in a $12,500 claiming race in his previous start. His lone win this year came in a $12,500 claiming race going 1 1/16 miles July 27. It was his first start after Smith had claimed him back for $12,500 on July 13. There should be an honest pace for Double Kisses to work with, and there is a good chance he’ll be able to get up in time.

Rise to Glory looks like a serious win candidate, and his tactical speed could give him a slight edge over Double Kisses. Trained by Tim Rycroft, Rise to Glory was part of a moderate pace when he won as the favorite in a $12,500 claiming race going one mile Aug. 14. He didn’t show his usual speed when he finished third as the chalk in a similar race Aug. 28, but he moves inside where he should get a nice trip from a stalking position with Shannon Beauregard retaining the mount.

Bud Time is reunited with Jorge Espitia, who was aboard for his two straight wins prior to running a dull race as the favorite in an $8,000 claiming race going one mile Sept. 27.