Rindanica shoots for repeat

EDMONTON, Alberta - Rindanica, still seeking his first victory of this meet, looks to score a repeat win in Saturday's $50,000 Klondike Handicap at Northlands Park.

The 1 1/16-mile Klondike attracted a field of six. It goes as race seven of an eight-race card that concludes the Klondike Days portion of the Northlands racing schedule.

Rindanica, trained by Riley Rycroft, has drawn the rail and will have a new rider, Quincy Welch.

A 5-year-old Kentucky-bred, Rindanica was second or third in his first four starts of the meet. He then finished fourth to Deputy Country in the Spangled Jimmy as the 9-5 favorite.

Deputy Country, Alberta's 2004 horse of the year, emerged from this season's doldrums with an upset victory at 9-1 in the Spangled Jimmy. Deputy Country led every step of the way, winning by 3 1/4 lengths under Leanne Painter.

Deputy Country had also been nominated to Monday's Sun Sprint, which he won last year, but trainer Red Smith opted for the Klondike.

Trainer Dave Forster has brought a shipper from Hastings, Blowin in the Wind. A Kentucky-bred, Blowin in the Wind won the Teeworth Plate at Stampede Park this spring after capturing the George Royal on his home track.

Rick Hedge will saddle a pair for Tom White: Ciano Country and last year's Speed to Spare champion, Beau Brass.