Quiet Cash a tough foe for 'Rain'

EDMONTON, Alberta - Alabama Rain makes his first appearance here at Northlands Park since capturing last year's Canadian Derby when he takes on just four rivals in Saturday's City of Edmonton Championship. The 1 1/16-mile City of Edmonton closes out the annual summer exhibition and will be headed by Quiet Cash, a winner of two stakes this year at Hastings.

In two starts this year, both at Hastings, Alabama Rain has failed to run back to his 2005 form. Alabama Rain finished last in a field of six in the George Royal, then trailed again two weeks later against eight opponents in an allowance. Ron Blinston picks up the mount on Alabama Rain for trainer Lance Giesbrecht.

Quiet Cash, whom Terry Jordan trains for owner Bahadur Cheema, will carry top weight of 123 pounds from post 5. Quiet Cash won the George Royal and the John Longden and then was beaten a half-length by Spaghetti Mouse in the Lieutenant Governors Handicap in his most recent outing July 1. Quincy Welch rides Quiet Cash.

Also in the race is True Metropolitan, a stablemate of Quiet Cash. True Metropolitan won the Herald Gold Plate at Stampede Park and then came to Northlands to take the Spangled Jimmy.

Still another from Vancouver, Trick of the North, is among the City of Edmonton starters. Trick of the North finished sixth in the Lieutenant Governors after two strong allowance efforts.