Small field to contest Klondike

EDMONTON, Alberta - There will be only four betting interests in the 46th running of the $30,000 Klondike Handicap as the Klondike Days segment of the racing season comes to a close at Northlands Park Saturday afternoon.

Out of 11 original Klondike nominations, five opted for a $19,300 allowance Wednesday as the increased purse structure now appears to be siphoning horses from stakes races in favor of allowance offerings.

Of the five survivors, Tyko Tycoon will serve as the rabbit for his stablemate, Run Joey Run, who is coming off a pair of sparkling stakes victories in the Journal and the Spangled Jimmy.

Code Name Fred, Alberta's 2000 champion older horse, will make his first appearance since being edged by Red Exit in Stampede Park's Herald Gold Plate at Saturday's 1 1/16-mile distance.

Code Name Fred will carry co-highweight of 120 pounds along with Run Joey Run, and regular pilot Real Simard will ride.

Run Joey Run is a versatile sort, having won the 6 1/2-furlong Journal in a dead heat with Timely Ruckus and the one-mile Spangled Jimmy, both under rider Richard Hamel.

Tyko Tycoon, also from Red Smith's stable, was caught only in the late stages for a second-place finish in the Spangled Jimmy. Perry Winters retains the mount.

Red Exit, with Alex Ferris aboard, sprang a 9-1 upset in the Herald Gold Plate only to finish fourth in the Spangled Jimmy.

Completing the field is Rancour, trained by Ernie Keller and ridden by Quincy Welch.

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