Part Pirate tries to get cleaner trip

CALGARY, Alberta - Part Pirate will try to make amends for his loss as the 4-5 favorite against similar company on May 28 when he runs in a first-level optional $32,000 claimer Friday at Stampede Park.

Quincy Welch, the meet's leading rider, retains the mount and will be looking to work out a better trip from post 2 in a field of six on Friday. Last time out, Part Pirate lunged at the break and Welch attempted to overcome the poor start when his mount was carried out very wide into the first turn, losing any chance of victory.

Part Pirate, a Kentucky-bred son of Gold Case, was impressive in his maiden win two starts back with a strong stretch run. He has enough tactical speed for Welch to fashion a stalking trip off what promises to be a lively pace.

Garys Buddy, who avoided the trouble on the first turn last time and ran on gamely while three wide down the backstretch, figures to be prominent early. He is the only multiple winner in the field, but there is other speed signed on and he will need a similar effort to repeat against a well-matched group of 3-year-olds.

I'm Slick Two went wire to wire to win his maiden last time and drew the rail. Unwavering Roar used the same tactics to outlast a field of $20,000 maiden claimers.

Blue Heron Bay comes off a decent second-place effort to Alberta Derby hopeful Little Davey going a mile and should be rolling late. Drop the Odds makes his first start since being claimed for $17,500 on May 3.