R Valentino stepping up in allowance sprint

R Valentino was impressive in winning a maiden special weight race in his first start of the year and will be tested for class when he runs in a first-level allowance race at Northlands Park on Saturday. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew eight horses and appears to be a wide-open event.

Post time for the first of nine races is 1 p.m. Mountain.

Trained by Ken Tingle, R Valentino finished first in his second start as a juvenile last year but was disqualified for causing interference in the stretch and was placed fourth. He set a quick pace his next start in the Alberta Juvenile, and after taking a four-length lead into the stretch, he was inhaled by Centerfire and finished second.

He was given the rest of the year off following a disappointing effort in a maiden special weight race Oct. 1. His comeback race was a beauty. With Rico Walcott aboard, he seemed to be in complete control when he dueled with Psychology early, and he never looked threatened while holding off Celtic Assassin by 1 1/4 lengths.

R Valentino drew post No. 2 for Saturday, with Walcott retaining the mount. He could be the one they have to run down if he breaks alertly.

The main threat could come from Lucky Willy, who is going to appreciate the easier company after finishing fourth in a $25,000 optional-claiming race July 1.

KEY CONTENDERS

R Valentino (Last 3 Beyers: 59-6-38)

Following his smart win, the lightly raced 3-year-old fired bullets in two of his three works. He could be ready to take a big step forward in his second start back.

Lucky Willy (Last 3 Beyers: 53-46-68)

Trained by Tim Rycroft, he easily owns the best Beyer Speed Figures in the field. He will find his competition a lot easier to deal with than the likes of seven-time winner Swiss Idol, the winner of Lucky Willy’s last start.

He also doesn’t need to be in the race early, and there will be plenty of speed to set him up.

Wild Romeo (Last 3 Beyers: 58-53-52)

Trained by Dale Saunders, the first foal out of the multiple stakes-winning mare Wild Bender is trending in the right direction and looked good in winning a $20,000 maiden-claiming race in his last start.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Saunders has a 23 percent strike rate with horses coming off wins in maiden races.