Sayler entry looks formidable

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Trainer Ardell Sayler will be looking to win his third North Dakota Stallion Stakes in five years with the favored entry of Its Stormin and Mybest-friendjohn at Assiniboia Downs on Sunday.

The six-furlong race for horses eligible through the North Dakota Thoroughbred Association will carry a purse of $26,000 and attracted a field of eight.

Alan Cuthbertson will ride Its Stormin, a winner in his debut July 13, while Brian Harding will be aboard Mybestfriendjohn.

Trainer Blair Miller will send out Halo Alo, who won his debut on July 7. Halo Alo has working well since then, most recently putting up a bullet five-furlong drill of 1:02.20 from the gate Aug. 14. Rohan Singh will ride.

Twilight Ladd and Coquette Lady both will be making their first starts at a recognized racetrack. In his last start, on June 23, Twilight Ladd won a restricted allowance race at Chippewa Downs for trainer Dean Martin.

Rounding out the field will be Valentine's Journey, Regal Polka, and Nephrite's Best.

Corporate shuffle heads Jeffrey nominees

Nominations for the $27,500 Harry Jeffrey Stakes, a 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds here Aug. 26, closed Thursday.

Corporate Shuffle, third-place finisher in the Manitoba Derby, heads a list of 12 nominees, which also includes Budge, Command Start, Exclusive Sailor, Flying Commander, G and L Special, Independent Fire, Northern Cheyenne, Prize of Texas, Sterling Account, That's My Friend, and Will O Be Fast.