Ryella looks ready to break out

EDMONTON, Alberta - Some unheralded 2-year-old fillies will have their time in the spotlight Friday when a field of eight battles it out in a maiden special weight offering at Northlands Park.

The division's top flight will meet here Saturday afternoon in the 12th running of the $50,000 Bird of Pay, with nine nominated to that 6 1/2-furlong race.

Meanwhile, Friday's group will be sprinting six furlongs, each in quest of her first victory.

Ryella will attract attention from the betting public based on the experience she has gained in three previous starts. Ryella is coming off a third-place finish at Friday's distance after finishing second at 5 1/2 furlongs. She will need to last better in the dash for home. A Kentucky-bred owned by Calmar Stables and Ranch, Ryella will be ridden for the first time by Leanne Painter.

Editing also has three races behind her, including a sixth-place finish in the 6 1/2-furlong Filly Sale Stake last time out. Sean Evans will be aboard Editing, a homebred who races for Alberta's Robert and Debra Clary and was favored in her first two outings.

Drawing the rail is Zipper Street, who was runner-up as the favorite in her only start. She will retain Quincy Welch as her pilot.

R Beau Genes, who like Zipper Treat is trained by Red Smith, will be making her third appearance, and will have regular rider Rojidan Ramirez aboard.

Blue Fashion, owned by Dave Kapchinksy, will be making her debut with Ron Blinston her rider.