Seven Thirty Seven, Wild Romeo try to rebound in claiming races
Rico Walcott has dominated the jockey standings at Northlands Park since 2011, and not surprisingly, he will be riding a couple of solid favorites in the second and third races Wednesday evening.
Track announcer and assistant racing secretary Matt Jukich has installed Seven Thirty Seven and Wild Romeo as the 8-5 morning-line favorites in their respective races.
Seven Thirty Seven, trained by Greg Tracy, will try to rebound following a poor effort in the mud when she runs in the second race. The $12,000 claiming race for 3-year-old fillies drew six horses.
Wild Romeo will appreciate the class relief after finishing fifth in the $50,000 Alberta Breeders’ Handicap on Sept. 19. Trained by Dale Saunders, he will be tested by Artie in the Park in a $15,000 conditional claimer for 3-year-olds and up in the third race.
KEY CONTENDERS
CLAIMING RACE (RACE 2)
Seven Thirty Seven (Last 3 Beyers: 12-54-0)
◗ She was an easy eight-length winner against $12,000 claimers on Aug. 14, and she was running over a muddy track for the first time when she finished last in a $20,000 claiming race in her latest start Sept. 16.
Streakin Discreet (Last 3 Beyers: 26-42-31)
◗ Also trained by Tracy, she will appreciate the easier company after finishing third behind Blameitontheknight in a $12,000 claiming race in her first start against winners. Blameitontheknight romped in her next two starts in the $50,000 Alberta Oaks on Sept. 19 and a $35,000 optional-claiming race last Friday.
CLAIMING RACE (RACE 3)
Wild Romeo (Last 3 Beyers: 32-62-60)
◗ Both of his wins came sprinting, so he won’t mind the cutback in distance following three straight routes. He also is running in a conditional-claiming race for the first time.
Artie in the Park (Last 3 Beyers: 61-58-52)
◗ He is trending in the right direction for trainer Tim Rycroft and could be tough to catch if he breaks on top with second-leading rider Scott Williams aboard.