Notis Otis favored off long layoff

CALGARY, Alberta - Chris Loseth returns to Alberta this weekend in search of another stakes tally Saturday in the $50,000 President's Handicap at Stampede Park.

This time, Loseth will ride the favorite, Notis Otis, after stealing last Sunday's M.R. Jenkins Memorial with the aptly named Stole One, a $14.30 upset winner.

The champion juvenile colt in British Columbia last year, Notis Otis returns off a six-month layoff and will be the 121-pound highweight in the six-furlong President's, the first major prep to the $125,000 guaranteed Alberta Derby here June 18.

Notis Otis has lost only once in five starts, a nose defeat to Alabama Rain over a sloppy track last November in the 1 1/16-mile Ascot Graduation Stakes, his most recent start. His previous four races included wins in the Ladnesian, B.C. Nursery, and Jack Diamond Futurity.

Notis Otis has the advantage of the inside post Saturday in the field of eight 3-year-olds.

Golden Hunt, arguably the fastest juvenile on this circuit last year, promises to keep things interesting on the front end. He opened his campaign with a four-furlong victory opening day, equaling the track record of 43.80 seconds. He runs coupled with stablemate Dakota Duke.

Dakota Duke won his maiden in impressive fashion here April 17, scoring by 2 1/4 lengths and finishing six furlongs in 1:11. Leading rider Quincy Welch retains the call.