Rycroft pair figure tough

Trainer Tim Rycroft could have the winner of the fifth race at Northlands Park on Wednesday. The tough part is deciding between the two horses he has entered in the 6 1/2-furlong first-level allowance race for fillies and mares, which drew five horses.

Both Maid of Oak and Seeyouonbroadway are coming off a win in a $20,000 maiden claiming race, but the similarities end there.

A Kentucky-bred daughter of Woodman, Maid of Oak is making her first start of the year. In her final race of 2009, she came from a stalking position to wear down Inclined to Run on Oct. 12. It was the third start of her career.

Seeyouonbroadway, bred in Alberta, romped by more than 5 1/4 lengths when she made her debut June 12. She was involved right from the start and will likely be forcing the issue early.

Stephen Heiler was aboard for both of their wins and opts to ride Seeyouonbroadway.

Trainer Jim Meyaard could have the favorite in Aurburn Belle, who has worked sharply leading up to her first start of the year. A 4-year-old Kentucky-bred, Auburn Belle won a maiden special weight race at Zia Park in her second start last October. After forcing the pace she faded in two subsequent tries with first-level allowance horses in Zia and Sunland Park. This will be Auburn Belle's first start for Meyaard, and he usually moves them up.