Rindanica should get right setup

CALGARY, Alberta - Sunday's $50,000 Herald Gold Plate at Stampede Park is a 1 1/16-mile allowance stakes matching five of the best older horses on the grounds, plus four invaders from Hastings.

The West Coast contingent figures to supply plenty of pace in the Herald Gold Plate, with Lethal Grande, Treasured Friend, and Five Point Star figuring prominently in the early going. Their arrival does not bode well for Deputy Country, horse of the year on this circuit last year, who drew the rail but has yet to regain his spectacular front-running form of last season.

The race sets up for the closers, and Rindanica, suffering from a case of "seconditis," may find the cure here.

In the May 21 Teeworth, jockey Quincy Welch chose to go around tiring pacesetters with Rindanica, allowing Blowin in the Wind a free run along the inside. Rindanica, second in this race last spring after a premature move, is due for some racing luck and leading rider Welch stays aboard.

Lord Samarai, a troubled third and moved up to second in his latest at Hastings, is another who will appreciate what promises to be a lively pace. A 4-year-old gelding, Lord Samarai was a closing second in the Alberta Derby here last June over a course that favored speed.

Defending champion Bubblegum Kid, a 27-1 upsetter last June, will be closing from far back and would move up in any kind of off going.