Scotman runs on undercard

EDMONTON, Alberta - While the Canadian Derby is the main event Saturday at Northlands Park, the Westerner Handicap and City of Edmonton Distaff each provide interesting sidelights for local racing fans.

In the $35,000 Westerner, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 5/16 miles, the story line is as much about who won't be running as it is about who will compete.

As expected, trainer Ron K. Smith will offer up an entry of Tyko Tycoon and Run Joey Run, who will be joined by last year's Canadian Derby winner, Scotman.

The big name missing from the mix is Code Name Fred, champion older horse in the province last year, who was not entered after being declared the 120-pound highweight for the race. Code Name Fred instead was entered here Friday in a $19,300 allowance-optional claimer.

Tyko Tycoon was supposed to set a quick pace for his stablemate in the $30,000 Klondike Handicap here July 28 but surprised almost everyone by wiring the field, with Run Joey Run finishing third.

This time, Smith again will have Tyko Tycoon sent to the front with the hope of setting up Run Joey Run for a late charge in the stretch.

Run Joey Run will be the 119-pound highweight, and concede two pounds to both Scotman and Tyko Tycoon.

The $50,000 Edmonton Distaff, for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles, also offers some intrigue, with Northern Neechitoo looking for her fifth win in seven starts this year.

A 4-year-old, Northern Neechictoo has dominated the older mare class in Alberta this year and appears to be poised for another stakes win at the same distance as her recent Madamoiselle victory.

Trained by Floyd Arthur, Northern Neechitoo will be challenged by 3-year-old Little Lolitta, who comes into the race off a spectacular performance in the 1 1/16-mile Sonoma here Aug. 1, in which she dominated the field by more than eight lengths.

An Alberta-bred, Little Lolitta is trained by Don Gilkyson and will be looking to push her seasonal winnings to more than $100,000 while registering a fourth stakes win.