Northlands Park: One's Own Accord shortens up off marathons

Throw out One’s Own Accord’s last two starts, which came in the marathon series, and he looks better than most in a $10,000 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 it appears to be a wide-open event.

If One’s Own Accord came into the race off his third-place finish in a $17,500 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs Aug. 6, he would look pretty solid. It is hard to say how much his last two starts at marathon distances took out of him, however.

Trained by Monica Russell, One’s Own Accord was sent off as the favorite when he stretched out to 1 3/8 miles in a $7,500 starter handicap Aug. 20. He forced the pace before tiring to finish fourth. He came back in a similar race going 1 5/8 miles Sept. 10 and once again was involved early before fading to finish seventh.

One’s Own Accord had sharp form going into the marathon races. He won a $7,500 claiming race going 1 1/16 miles at Hastings July 6, and prior to shipping to Northlands he finished third in a $12,500 claiming sprint July 22.

One’s Own Accord will be ridden by leading rider Rico Walcott.

Handicappers won’t have any trouble tossing the last race from Maximus Potential, who was overmatched when he ran in the $50,000 Alberta Breeder’s Handicap Sept. 17. In his previous start he won a $10,000 claiming race going 1 1/16 miles Aug. 13 and was claimed back by trainer Craig Smith. It was the third straight race Maximus Potential had changed hands. Smith claimed Maximus Potential from trainer Red Smith (no relation) July 15. Red Smith reclaimed him Aug. 1.

A deep closer, Maximus Potential should have an honest pace to work with and will certainly appreciate being back at a level he has been competitive.

Loyal Son ships in from Marquis Downs where he won his last two starts, the one-mile Prairieland Park Handicap Aug. 20 and the 1 1/16-mile United Group Handicap Sept. 9. Don Bjarnarson trained him in both races. Rod Cone will saddle Loyal Son, and last year Loyal Son won a $7,500 claiming race for Cone at Northlands.

Argentune steps up following a sharp win in a $7,500 claiming race for trainer Deanna Walper Sept. 21.

Rolletti and Sunny Break should provide a quick pace.