Simmerdown Now may get hooked in duel

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - Simmerdown Now and She's Nifty, both of whom are daughters of the sire Stop the Stage, head a field of seven 3-year-old fillies in Friday's $5,000 Captain Stanley Harrison Handicap at Marquis Downs.

Simmerdown Now, winner of last year's Woodland Heritage for Saskatchewan-bred fillies, won a prep race for the six-furlong Harrison two weeks ago.

Simmerdown Now had started the season at Assiniboia Downs but after a ninth and a fourth against $7,500 claimers she returned here to score a front-running victory.

Janice Seesequasis remains aboard Simmerdown Now, who should have competition on the front end from Brite Steel, who was a seven-length winner at six furlongs here last Friday.

Brite Steel also went wire to wire, in fractions faster than those of Simmerdown Now, and registered a final time that was .71 of a second faster. Leading rider Tim Moccasin will be in the saddle.

She's Nifty has been favored in both her starts this spring and won here on opening weekend. Two weeks ago, facing Simmerdown Now, She's Nifty tried to stalk the pace but never responded and faded to finish third, beaten 10 1/4 lengths.

Both of She's Nifty's wins, which include the filly split of the Saskatchewan Futurity last summer, have come on the lead. Rider Serge Rocheleau may have no choice but to gun her from the gate on Friday.

Tomarosa was more successful in stalking Simmerdown Now two weeks ago and closed in the stretch to finish second, beaten by just three-quarters of a length.

Tomarosa has early speed if the break goes her way, as evidenced by her three-length, wire-to-wire maiden score last year at Northlands Park at 3 1/2 furlongs. Rennie Latchman rides.

Completing the field are Quick Quiz, Barnhartvale Belle, and Star Pegasus.