Shimshine looks formidable in Western Canada

Shimshine makes his 3-year-old debut in the $50,000 Western Canada Handicap on Saturday at Northlands Park. The champion 2-year-old in Alberta last year, he figures to be a short price in the six-furlong dash for 3-year-olds, which drew five horses.

Trained by Elige Bourne, Shimshine reeled off four straight wins last year, including victories in the $65,000 Birdcatcher and $50,000 Alberta Premier’s Futurity at Northlands. He closed his juvenile season with a third-place finish in the $60,000 Canadian Juvenile at Century Downs.

The Alberta-bred Shimshine worked a sharp five furlongs with Rico Walcott aboard May 26. Walcott also will be aboard Shimshine on Saturday, when they break from the outside post.

Bourne, who claimed him out of his debut for $12,000 on behalf of White Pine Ranch, likes the way Shimshine is coming up to the race.

“He’s doing all right and I was very happy with his work last Saturday,” Bourne said. “The best thing about him is his versatility. He has tactical speed, and Rico can use it when he needs to.”

Bourne said the worst thing about Shimshine is his attitude.

“He’s horrible,” he said. “Last year, he just about killed me when he dragged me through the barn area at Century Downs. I had just finished giving him a bath and was going to take him outside to cool him down. He had other ideas, though, and just took off with me at the other end of the shank. After dragging me around for what felt like an eternity he just stopped. I had gravel burns everywhere. He seems a little better this year but he still has his moments.”

Flash the Cash looks like the main threat. Trained by Tim Rycroft, the Florida-bred colt looked good winning a maiden special weight race May 22, and the 52 Beyer Speed Figure he received is the best last-race figure in the field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Shimshine, by Wilko

Last 3 Beyers: 47-52-47

◗ He appears to be primed for a big effort coming off the bench, and with plenty of potential speed in the field he should get a nice trip from a stalking position.

Flash the Cash, by Flashstorm

Last 3 Beyers: 52-45-0

◗ He took a big step forward in his handy win in his last race, and with just three starts his best races could be in front of him.

Stripling Warrior, by Alydeed

Last 3 Beyers: NA-NA-NA

◗ He used his good speed to win three straight stakes on the minor circuit at Lethbridge, and he was good enough to finish second in the $50,000 2-year-old Sales Stakes at Northlands. He could be dangerous if he can clear early.

◗ Trained by Greg Tracy, he is a half-brother to three stakes winners.