Robnroy to take catching in Free Press

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Robnroy will be the one to catch in Sunday's six-furlong Free Press at Assiniboia Downs.

Last time out, in the G. Sydney Halter, Robnroy dueled with eventual winner Timely Ruckus before finishing second.

In the absence of Timely Ruckus, Robnroy should be the lone speed of the Free Press, a $27,500 feature for 3-year-olds and upward.

Robnroy is trained by Pam McDougall and will be ridden by Jacques DesAutels.

Kalfaari, owned and trained by Clint Willson, probably is the only horse in the race with the ability to match the speed of Robnroy, but he has broken poorly in two of three starts here.

In the G. Sydney Halter, he broke last of seven and was forced to steady in behind horses until the stretch. He will need an alert beginning Sunday if he is to have any chance.

Smoky Cinder probably will be co-favored with Robnroy.

If a speed duel develops between Kalfaari and Robnroy, then Smoky Cinder could secure a stalking position and be very difficult to fend off in the stretch.

In the G. Sydney Halter, Smoky Cinder was shuffled back early and raced wide throughout, finishing fourth, but was only three-quarters of a length behind Robnroy at the finish. Tim Gardiner will ride for trainer Gary Danelson.

Tejano Ruler made his first stakes start here in the G. Sydney Halter, stalking the duel of Timely Ruckus and Robnroy and running well in the stretch to take third place, a neck behind the runner-up.

Trained by Emile Corbel, Tejano Ruler also may be dangerous if a front-end battle develops.

Latter Day Ace was an impressive winner against conditioned allowance horses May 26 and is another who should benefit from a stalking trip.

Rounding out the field are Popsicle Pete and Fruit Rapport.