Saint Sassy Sue seeks to extend streak in sprint feature

Saint Sassy Sue has speed, drew the rail, and likely will be favored when she tries to win her fourth race in a row Wednesday night at Northlands Park. The task will not be easy, as she is facing a solid field of fillies and mares in a $35,000 optional-claiming race that includes 25-time winner Salsa Express. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint drew seven horses and goes as the eighth race.

Saint Sassy Sue closed out 2014 with a 6 1/2-length romp in the $48,980 Alberta Oaks, which was restricted to Alberta-bred 3-year-old fillies. She was racing for trainer Amber Buniak, who had claimed her on behalf of Wilde Racing earlier in the year for $7,000.

Still racing for Wilde Racing, she came out running this year, scoring two front-running wins in $25,000 optional-claiming races for trainer Ryan McLean on May 8 and May 22.

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Trainer Greg Tracy will saddle her Wednesday. Acting on behalf of Derby Quest Farms and Shot in the Dark Racing Corp., Tracy claimed her for $25,000 out of her latest win.

Saint Sassy Sue could be tough to run down if she breaks alertly with leading rider Rico Walcott picking up the mount.

At 10 years old, Salsa Express seems to be as good as ever. Trained by Ernie Keller, she won two of her first three starts at the meet, and she finished second to Saint Sassy Sue on May 22.

With other potential speed in the field, she could be dangerous coming from a stalking position.

◗ Also on the nine-race card is the $39,136 Alberta-bred Derby for Quarter Horses going 330 yards. Cruisinfourabruisin has been installed as the 2-1 favorite in the 10-horse field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Saint Sassy Sue (Last 3 Beyers: 72-60-59)

◗ The speed of the speed, she could be gone if she breaks on top in her first start for Tracy.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years at Northlands, Tracy has a 30 percent strike rate with claimed horses running back the first time, and the figure climbs to 40 percent with Walcott aboard.

Salsa Express (Last 3 Beyers: 65-68-58)

◗ It is hard not to like a horse who has finished in the top three in 57 of her 69 starts. At Northlands, she has compiled an impressive 17-13-11 record from 50 starts.

Canaveral Leader (Last 3 Beyers: 46-56-56)

◗ Trained by Ron Grieves, the multiple stakes winner will appreciate the easier company after not being able to keep up with Rock and Glory in the Wild Rose and John Patrick in her first two starts at the meet.