Raylene scares off competition

EDMONTON, Alberta - Even with Raylene spotting her rivals from six to 11 pounds, only five fillies have decided to test her in Sunday's 6 1/2-furlong Chariot Chaser at Northlands Park.

Raylene was the unanimous choice as Alberta's champion 2-year-old filly last year on the strength of her victories in the Princess Margaret, Bird of Pay, and Freedom of the City stakes.

She has continued her domination this spring, winning her three appearances at Stampede Park in the Mount Royal, Lilac, and Penny Ridge at distances ranging from six furlongs to 1 1/16 miles.

Raylene's powerful rallies from off the pace have been eye-catching and too much for her opposition.

Carrying 123 pounds including jockey Dave Wilson, Raylene will be picking up one pound from her triumph in the 1 1/16-mile Penny Ridge, where she got up in time to win by a neck over Reagally Light, who was not among the six nominees for Sunday's sprint.

Raylene's opponents will include Eradikate, who was third in the Penny Ridge, beaten 1 3/4 lengths.

Trained by Cam Powley and ridden by Perry Winters, Eradikate won her maiden April 23 and finished third in her last two outings.

Leanne Painter will be aboard A Shaky Start, whom she rode to one of her two victories this year.

Rick Hedge will send out Whataweekend, the runner-up in both the Mount Royal and Lilac. She then won an optional claimer by three lengths over second-place A Shaky Start. Quincy Welch has the mount.