Smith trio takes aim at Scotman

CALGARY, Alberta - Trainer R.K. "Red" Smith could not topple Scotman with a two-horse entry in the May 26 Teeworth Plate.

So Smith, the runaway leader in the trainer's standings, is adding a third runner in hopes of capturing Sunday's Herald Gold Plate at Stampede Park.

The $50,000 race drew six entrants, and Smith will send out Three Johns, Run Joey Run, and Tyko Tykoon in the meet's premier race for older horses.

Despite Smith's strong hand, Scotman will command plenty of respect, following his half-length victory over Run Joey Run in the Teeworth.

Scotman, Alberta's 2000 Horse of the Year, was making his seasonal debut in the one-mile Teeworth. Using his patented sweeping move, Scotman scored the victory in 1:37 under mild right-handed encouragement from jockey Chris McGregor.

Scotman picks up two pounds off the win and carries highweight of 122 in this 1 1/16-mile race.

Run Joey Run receives six pounds from Scotman and is the likeliest member of Smith's entry to derail the favorite. A 6-year-old gelding, Run Joey Run came from well back in the Teeworth and will appreciate the extra ground here.

The task of ensuring honest fractions once again falls to Three Johns, who did his job admirably in the Teeworth and was beaten by just a length.

Tyko Tycoon adds to the intrigue with a running style that should put him in a stalking position.

Code Name Fred, Alberta's champion older horse of 2000 for trainer Ron Grieves, did not fire in the Teeworth after chasing Three Johns early but is capable of taking it all on his best effort.