Ronaldino in first wave for Jordan

CALGARY, Alberta Trainer Terry Jordan begins his annual invasion of Alberta in earnest on Sunday when Ronaldino squares off against six rivals in a $19,300 conditioned allowance that runs as the third race.

Jordans forays into this province from his Hastings base have been an ongoing success story, and Ronaldino, a son of fashionable British Columbia sire Katahaula County with excellent early foot, seeks to write another chapter with Quincy Welch signed up to ride.

Ronaldino came here last June with the Alberta Derby in his sights only to catch a muddy course that he was unable to handle. He finished last of 10.

On Sunday, Ronaldino finds a spot in this six-furlong sprint restricted to 4-year-olds and has been working up a storm on the West Coast, including a pair of bullet moves.

Ronaldino draws post 3, and his tactical speed should allow Welch to gain good position in the run through the tight first turn on this five-furlong oval.

Freuds Cure drew post 2, and jockey Rickey Walcott is sure to be looking for the lead aboard the gelding, who ran very well to be second from post 9 in a four-furlong prep here March 23.

Fifth Estate, a promising Kentucky-bred from Rob Chabots barn, drew the outside post. Rider Stephan Heiler will be looking to fashion a tracking trip aboard the gelding, who has trained forwardly for his 2008 debut.