Rare Crystal a short price at Northlands

It is tough to get past Rare Crystal in the seventh race at Northlands Park on Friday. Trained by Jim Meyaard, Rare Crystal will be looking to win her fifth straight race in the 6 1/2-furlong second-level allowance, which also has a $40,000 claiming option.

Rare Crystal's last two wins have been for the same condition and she figures to be a very short price in the five-horse field on Friday.

A 6-year-old Kentucky-bred mare by Bright Launch, Rare Crystal has improved dramatically since arriving at Northlands in May. In her first start in Edmonton she cruised to a seven-length win in a $22,000 claiming race on May 13. Another easy win over $30,000 claimers on May 23 was followed by two front-running scores for this condition on June 12 and July 8.

With a bullet four-furlong move in 46.80 seconds on Aug. 1, Rare Crystal appears to have retained her sharp edge. With Meyaard winning at a 50 percent clip at the meet, a short price assured.

Rickey Walcott picks up the mount from his brother Rico, who is riding in Barbados this weekend.

With other speed in the field the race could set up for Debie Ginsburg. Trained by Gordon Amthor, Debie Ginsburg finished third in a $40,000 optional race in her only start this year May 24. In her only win last year she came from slightly off the pace to win a 6 1/2-furlong second level allowance race on Sept. 8. Shannon Beauregard retains the mount.

Ubettorubet is dropping in class after finishing fifth in the one-mile John Patrick Handicap on July 18. She won the six-furlong Sales Stakes on May 23 and should appreciate the move back to a sprint.