Skimatic seeks repeat performance in Northlands feature

Skimatic improved dramatically in his first start for trainer James McCullough, and if he can repeat his performance when he steps up to face winners for the first time, he will be tough to handle in Sunday’s feature at Northlands Park. A $15,000 claiming race at 6 1/2 furlongs, the feature will have seven 3-year-olds and up who have never won two races and goes as race 7.

Skimatic paid $24.80 for his 14-length win over $7,000 maidens Sept. 15, but he will be a much shorter price Sunday. With apprentice Scott Williams aboard, Skimatic held a four-length advantage after a half-mile in 47 seconds and quickly opened a 13-length lead at the top of the stretch. He earned a 73 Beyer Speed for the win, 33 points higher than his previous best.

Sunday, Skimatic could have his hands full with Overbay, who will be running for a tag for the first time. Overbay won a maiden special weight when he made his debut in May, and after finishing second in a first-level allowance in his second start, he has gone unplaced in four straight races. He showed more early interest before fading to sixth in his most recent start Sept. 8 and could be dangerous with the drop in class.

Neechi’s Regal Son is coming off of a second-place finish in a race with the same conditions Sept. 11, and the horse he beat for third, Ben’s Magic, came back to win a $7,500 conditional claimer Wednesday.