Rum Candi drops after stakes try

EDMONTON, Alberta - Rum Candi seeks her second victory in four starts in Northland Park's $40,000 optional claiming feature at 6 1/2 furlongs Friday. Rum Candi is the only 2005 winner tin a field of seven fillies and mares.

Rum Candi, a 6-year-old owned by Bear Stable, is making her first appearance since finishing sixth in the Marc Jenkins Memorial on May 1. She had earned a shot at stakes company when she won a six-furlong optional claimer by a nose.

Rickey Walcott retains the mount on Rum Candi for trainer Dale Greenwood.

Rum Candi should face stern opposition from the entry of Banjo Fame and Braetta sent out by trainer Don Gilkyson.

Banjo Babe is making her fifth appearance in an optional claimer this season and is coming off a pair of third-place finishes at six furlongs. Banjo Babe will have a new rider here, with Stephan Heiler taking over from Desmond Bryan, who has opted to ride View Halloo.

Braetta is dropping back to a sprint after a second and a third at a mile. In her latest start May 25, Braetta was bet down to 3-5.

View Halloo, trained by Gerry Kipling, finished fifth in the Sales Stake for older fillies and mares to open her campaign. Subsequently, View Halloo had a third against allowance mares.

Real Simard will ride Sounce a Silence in her sixth outing this season. Trained by Rod Haynes, Sounce a Silence is coming off successive fourths.