Roarzak goes right up ladder

EDMONTON, Alberta - Roarzak, who boasts two consecutive wins over lesser foes, climbing the ladder to a $17,500 claiming race on Sunday at Northlands.

Trained by Bill Matier, Roarzak started his climb with a second and a win against $7,500 claimers, then won right back for $10,000 at 7-1 here July 11.

On the other hand, Oolamah, Candid Remark, and Temptors Prodigy are dropping from the $22,000 claiming level for Sunday's race.

Completing the field of 10 for the 1 1/16-mile race are Kid Copper, who has a win and two seconds in his last three outings, Stage Door Jade, Cee El, Egotistical, Turbo Charger, and Surville.

* Only five 3-year-olds have been nominated for Saturday's Count Lathum, the final prep for the Canadian Derby.

Heading the nominees for the 1 5/16-mile Count Lathum is Rindanica, who has won two straight stakes while Taiaslew has been away in quest of the Manitoba Derby.

The chief threat is expected to be Beau Brass, who should relish the Count Lathum's extra distance after his rally fell a half-length short in the 1 1/16-mile Ky Alta.

Other nominees are Reb's Drummer and Cool Bender, who were beaten less than two lengths in the Ky Alta, and Shawteesh.

The Grade 3, $150,000 Canadian Derby will be run here Aug. 23.

* The $50,000 Sun Sprint at 6 1/2 furlongs will be run a week from Monday, Aug. 4. It has drawn 11 nominations. Heading the list are Alberta's 2002 champion sprinter, Tyko Tycoon, who won this race last year, and reigning horse of the year, Sixthirtyjoe.