Red-hot 'Shaky' one to beat

CALGARY, Alberta - A Shaky Start, a deceptively easy winner of the distaff version of the Sales Stakes in her 2005 debut here April 16, carries high weight of 123 pounds in Sunday's $50,000 M.R. Jenkins Memorial at Stampede Park.

A Shaky Start, a 5-year-old who was the champion of her division last year, captured this six-furlong handicap for fillies and mares in 2004, defeating archrival Raylene by 1 1/2 lengths. If her performance in the Sales Stakes is any indication, she appears set to defend her title.

A Shaky Start was confidently rated off the moderate early fractions set in the Sales and swept by her overmatched foes with a three-wide move entering the final turn.

Jockey Leanne Painter never uncocked her whip on the 1-2 favorite, who ran just as hard as necessary, completing the six furlongs in 1:12.

Despite the strong outing by A Shaky Start, the opposition is stronger this time around. Unforgettable Too, a double allowance winner at the meet, and Rum Candi, a nose winner over the highly regarded Spirit to Spare two weeks ago, are expected to pose the most serious challenges.

Vancouver-based invader Stole One is likely to set the early fractions under rider Chris Loseth, who will fly in from Hastings to ride the 4-year-old.

Unforgettable Too and jockey Frank Gonsalves should be close up early, as will Kellys Guest and Stephan Heiler. Rum Candi breaks from the rail under Rickey Walcott and should be rolling late.