Rindanica has several hurdles

CALGARY, Alberta - Rindanica drew the outside post in Saturday's $50,000 Teeworth Plate and will have to deal with Hastings invader Blowin in the Wind and the speed of Stampede Park Sprint Championship winner Chief Mtn in the one-mile handicap.

Leading rider Quincy Welch stays aboard Rindanica, who closed resolutely in the six-furlong Sprint Championship only to fall three-quarters of a length short of Chief Mtn while going the best at the wire. Rindanica came into the race without benefit of a start this year and will appreciate the added two furlongs in Saturday's feature.

Chief Mtn had the benefit of a winter campaign and an allowance prep victory going into the Sprint Championship. He won in 1:10 under Frank Gonsalves. Chief Mtn has not won beyond 6 1/2 furlongs and has only one recorded work since his April 30 Sprint Championship tally, while Rindanica has trained very strongly in the interim.

The spoiler in the field of seven could be Blowin in the Wind, who arrives fresh off a score in the 6 1/2-furlong George Royal on opening weekend of the Hastings meeting.

Blowin in the Wind is a versatile sort, as evidenced by his score over 11 furlongs in the B.C. Premier's last October. He has worked back strongly since his George Royal win for trainer Dave Forster, including a bullet five-furlong move of 59.40 on May 11.