Red Smith starts drive for title No. 10

Trainer Red Smith is shooting for an unprecedented 10th straight training title at Northlands Park. Smith's streak began in 1999, and over the past nine years he has won 333 races at the Edmonton oval. Dale Saunders is next on the list with 230 wins over the same time period.

Smith is looking for his first win at the young meet, and he appears to have two solid chances in the fifth race on Friday, a 3 1/2-furlong entry-level race allowance race for 3-year-olds that drew five horses.

Runaway Swiss looks like the better of the two horses Smith has entered and will likely be the favorite. A California-bred gelding by Swiss Yodeler, Runaway Swiss finished second to It's Good to Be Me in a similar race last Saturday. Acting on behalf of Marfam Stable, Smith claimed Runaway Swiss for $27,500 last August. In his first race for his new connections, Runaway Swiss won a 3 1/2-furlong $27,500 maiden race by 10 lengths.

Quincy Welch has the mount and will likely put Runaway Swiss right on the lead.

Grat Substitution will be making his first start since he was claimed by Smith for $8,000 last November. He will be ridden by Stephan Heiler.

Grat Substitution drew the rail and Runaway Swiss is drawn right next to him. Outside post positions have fared better at the meet and if the bias continues, Itswhatwelivefore, who drew the 5-hole, could have the edge.

Itswhatwelivefore is coming off of a sharp win in a maiden special weight race opening day. His trainer, Robertino Diodoro, is off to a fast start at the meet with five wins from his first 13 starters. Diodoro finished second in the standings to Smith last year.