Plagiarist looks tough at Northlands

Plagiarist and Blackcomb Run look like the ones to beat in a $17,500 claiming race that will serve as Wednesday's feature race at Northlands Park. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew nine horses.

Trained by Jim Meyaard, Plagiarist is coming off of a solid second-place finish behind odds-on favorite It's Good to Be Me for $22,000 on June 6. In his previous race, Plagiarist came from off the pace to win a $17,500 claiming race going six furlongs on May 24. He is versatile, however, and leaving from the rail there is a good chance Rico Walcott will put him into the race early. Plus, there doesn't appear to be a lot of pure speed in the field and a moderate pace is likely.

In his final start of 2009, Plagiarist led every step of the way to post an easy 3 1/4-length win over Bling for $17,500. It was his fourth win from nine starts in 2009.

Blackcomb Run also had a productive 2009, winning 6 races from 10 starts. Blackcomb Run, trained by Rod Cone, is off to a strong start this season. After finishing third behind Plagiarist on May 24, he won for the same price on June 9.

Trainer Cody Anderson is hoping Stephanson follows the same pattern that saw him win four races last year. After finishing sixth in his seasonal debut, Stephanson reeled off three straight wins in 2009. He is coming off of a fourth-place finish in Blackcomb Run's win June 9.