Northlands Park: Prairie Meadows invader fits in feature

It is tough to separate the seven horses running in a $10,000 claiming race that will serve as Sunday’s feature at Northlands Park.

Dixie Mountain is making his first start at Northlands in the one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up. He was a gem of consistency at Prairie Meadows where he compiled a 2-5-1 record from 8 races this year. In his latest start on Aug. 5, he won and was claimed for $6,250 by trainer Greg Tracy, who was acting on behalf of Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

Dixie Mountain is versatile and is capable of stalking what figures to be a lively pace. The main concern is the first turn comes up quickly, he drew the outside post, and a wide trip could be in the cards.

Fernando Perez rides Dixie Mountain.

Great Griffin dropped to this level and added Lasix two starts back and the result was a $21.70 mutuel for his win over Maximus Potential going one mile Aug. 1. He was favored when he came back for the same price going 1 1/16 miles Aug. 13, but after taking a one-length lead into the stretch he gave way late to Maximus Potential. He was claimed out of the race by Ernie Keller, who was acting on behalf of K6 Ranches Limited. Great Griffin has good speed but can stalk, and should get a nice trip leaving from post 2.

There is an abundance of speed in the race and the only deep closer in the field is Constable Sheppard. Trained by Red Smith, Constable Sheppard came from 10 lengths back to win a nonwinners-of-two $7,500 claiming race Aug. 17. He is taking a big step up in class but the shape of the race should work in his favor.

Road Talk should appreciate the easier company after fading badly in his last two starts. Trained by Jim Meyaard, Road Talk set the pace in a $40,000 optional race July 29 and also in a $17,500 claimer Aug. 19, but both times he finished last. Blinkers go on and maybe the equipment change will help him stay focused longer.

Rolletti also has plenty of speed, and it is hard to see Road Talk getting away with soft fractions.

Argentune has tactical speed and could be a threat from just off the pace.

Little Big Time rounds out the field.