Shy Lil vs. Forster invaders

EDMONTON, Alberta - A pair of invaders, both trained by David Forster, will test five Northlands-based 3-year-old fillies in Saturday's $100,000 Sonoma at 1 1/16 miles.

The Forster contingent comprises Socorro County, ridden by Robert Skelly, and Overact, with Quincy Welch up. The two are uncoupled in the betting.

Foremost among the locals is Shy Lil, trained by Red Smith, who carries co-high weight of 120 pounds. Shy Lil has won two stakes in her last three outings, the Lilac and the Northlands Oaks. With regular rider Peter Wong sidelined with injuries, Shy Lil has the services of a new jockey in Rickey Walcott.

Socorro County, coming off a victory in the Nanaimo Handicap at Hastings, also carries 120 pounds. Overact has been racing this year at Emerald Downs, where she has finished third in two stakes in three outings.

Kellys Guest with Leanne Painter up, has had a brilliant season. Trained by Pinky MacDonald, Kellys Guest has won four races, including the Chariot Chaser. She has drawn the rail.

Craig Faine will ride Sounce a Silence, trained by Rod Haynes. Haynes won the Sonoma last year with Raylene, who was named Alberta horse of the yea.

Dyna Flair, trained by Monica Russell and ridden by Shannon Beauregard, is jumping up from the claiming ranks. She won her maiden for $7,000, and the last time she ran at 1 1/16 miles she won by three lengths against $17,500 claimers.