Scotman beats his elders

CALGARY, Alberta - Scotman erased any doubts about his ability to compete against his elders with a half-length victory over Run Joey Run here in Saturday's Teeworth Plate.

Scotman, who was Alberta's champion 3-year-old and horse of the year in 2000, returned $6.40 as the longest shot in the field of four which had just three betting interests.

Code Name Fred, Alberta's top older horse of 2000, was the favorite with trainer R.K. (Red) Smith's entry of Run Joey Run and Three Johns the second choice.

As expected, Three Johns went to the lead in the one-mile Teeworth and posted fractions of 23.80, 47.40, and 1:11.60. Code Name Fred raced just off the leader in perfect striking position but came up empty when called upon.

It was left to Chris McGregor to take up the chase and Scotman responded with a three-wide move which put him just a head behind Three Johns at the eighth pole.

"I hit him right-handed and he just took off down the lane," said McGregor.

"He's an easy horse to get ready; he does everything you ask of him," said trainer Pam McDougall.

Run Joey Run put in a strong late bid to grab place money and should appreciate the extra sixteenth of a mile in the $50,000 Herald Gold Plate here June 10.

* On Sunday, Fancy As continued his march toward the June 16 Alberta Derby with his third consecutive victory in the Hoofprint on My Heart. Kept well clear of any traffic problems, Fancy As, the 2-5 favorite, ran down a very game Sixthirtyjoe in the final sixteenth to win in 1:37.40 under a hand ride by jockey Richard Hamel.