Sharp form makes Arkhill dangerous in Northlands Park feature

Hastings invader Arkhill looks like the one to beat in Wednesday’s featured seventh race at Northlands. The 1 1/16-mile race, open to horses who have not won a race other than maiden or claiming at a mile or farther this year, and $40,000 claimers, drew six horses.

Arkhill has been based at Hastings his whole career with trainer Craig MacPherson, but has had plenty of success in Alberta. MacPherson shipped him to Stampede Park to win the 2008 Alberta Derby and a month later he won the Ky Alta at Northlands. Arkhill didn’t run in 2009 but he looked sharp winning a $50,000 optional claimer at Hastings when he returned to the races on May 15. Arkhill looked like he was going to get up in time in his next start, but he lost all of his momentum when the hole he was going for along the rail closed. He is coming off of a third place finish behind the sensation Burj Dubai in a $50,000 optional race June 27 and has subsequently posted two bullet five-furlong moves.

Trainers Rick Hedge and Dale Saunders made the wise decision avoiding Salt Flat Speed when they scratched their horses out of the Don Fleming Handicap last Saturday to run in this spot.

Inuit Fisher, trained by Saunders, is coming off of half-length win over Mr. Shadar in a $40,000 optional race at 6 1/2 furlongs July 16.

Inuit Fisher figures to be forwardly placed and Mr. Shadar, who will be running on Lasix for the first time, will likely be eased off of the pace.

Saskatchewan Derby winner Tease the Tiger figures to move forward in his second start this year. He finished third to Inuit Fisher when he returned from a long layoff July 16.