Sparhawk eyes win No. 6

EDMONTON, Alberta - Sparhawk looks for his sixth victory of the year, and second straight, here at Northlands Park on Friday when he takes on seven other 3-year-olds in a 6 1/2-furlong sprint at the $17,500 claiming level.

Sparhawk, trained by Monica Russell, retains Shannon Beauregard as his pilot. With Beauregard at the controls, Sparhawk has won three times in his last four starts, with his latest win against $25,000 claimers.

Huntley's Creek, one of the main threats to Sparhawk, has already won six times this year. A California-bred, Huntley's Creek won his maiden for $12,000 and later won for $7,000 before beginning his upward climb. He finished behind Sparhawk in his last outing. Trainer Yves Trudel again has given the riding assignment on Huntley's Creek to Rojidan Ramirez.

Melodic, who did not race as a 2-year-old, won his first career start for $17,500 and later tried stakes company. After finishing fourth in the Sale Stakes, Melodic failed to light the board in the Beaufort. Rob Chabot will give a leg up to Quincy Welch.

Lead On McDuff will try $17,500 claimers again after a run of three wins over a span of four starts was broken when he finished third at the level. Rickey Walcott will ride Lead On McDuff, who has won four times this season.

Northtown Will, with Desmond Bryan up, is dropping from the $25,000 plateau where he was fourth after finishing third in the Sale Stakes.