Ready Racer eyes back-to-back wins in claiming sprint

Ready Racer isn’t nearly as good as when he was named the champion sprinter in Alberta in 2013. Nonetheless, he is coming off a sharp win in a $17,500 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs June 17, and he appears to have a good chance of repeating when he runs in a slightly shorter race at the same level Wednesday evening at Northlands Park. The six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew eight horses, and there is plenty of speed to set up the strong late move of Ready Racer.

Quarter Horse fans will want to arrive early as the first three races on the nine-race card are 330-yard trials for the Alberta Stallion Stakes Futurity, which will take place July 29 at Northlands.

In his latest win, Ready Racer was sixth early before rallying to beat Swiss Idol by 1 3/4 lengths. The 50 Beyer Speed Figure he earned isn’t going to scare anybody, but the race was validated when Swiss Idol won a $25,000 optional-claiming race in a quick 1:10.69 going six furlongs last Wednesday.

Ready Racer has won 18 races in his career, including 16 at Northlands for trainer Dale Saunders, who took over as his trainer in 2010. Rico Walcott retains the mount.

Stole It is the speed of the speed, but he figures to be under some pressure from Kilohana, who battled for the lead before tiring in his first start of the year in Ready Racer’s latest win.

Key contenders

Ready Racer (Last 3 Beyers: 50-24-55)

The classy 9-year-old should appreciate the shape of the race, and his bullet five-furlong move June 29 is a good indication he isn’t going to bounce following his strong effort in his latest start.

Stole It (Last 3 Beyers: 56-69-84)

He is the one they will have to run down, and trainer Rick Wise is winning races at a 36 percent clip at the meet.

Lovely Start (Last 3 Beyers: 57-63-65)

A six-time winner at the 2014 meet, he used his good tactical speed to win a $12,500 claiming race going six furlongs June 24.

He should be in the garden spot early and figures to get first crack at Stole It and possibly Kilohana.

Lovely Start was haltered out of his latest win by trainer Ron Grieves. According to DRF Formulator, over the past five years, Grieves has a 12 percent strike rate (3 for 25) running back claimed horses the first time.