R Lucinda back at best distance

EDMONTON, Alberta - After more than a month away from the track, R Lucinda races for a $40,000 tag as she takes on five others in Sunday's six-furlong feature, an optional claimer for fillies and mares.

Trained by Stu Simon, R Lucinda has not seen action since a dismal effort going a mile against similar competition July 26. But her strong fifth-place finish in the Wild Rose Stakes sprinting - she was beaten 3 3/4 lengths against the likes of Stole One, Ice Girl, and Banjo Babe - shows that she has the necessary credentials to be favored here.

A mile may be beyond her capabilities, but R Lucinda is dangerous going six furlongs. In six starts at the distance, she has two wins and has never finished worse than third.

Paired once again with Rickey Walcott, R Lucinda breaks from post 5.

It's a well-matched field, but R Lucinda's principle competition in the race should come from post 2 and Filly's Gone Wild, who is ridden by Jake Barton.

An import from Hastings Park in Vancouver, Filly's Gone Wild was claimed by trainer Dale Greenwood for the ubiquitous Bear Stables for $40,000 when she made her provincial debut at Stampede Park. While in Greenwood's care, the speedy Wild Gold filly has two third-place finishes sprinting against $40,000 optional claiming competition, but has not raced since late July.