Sparhawk has tactical advantage

CALGARY, Alberta - The $50,000 Stampede Park Sprint Championship headlines Saturday's program and drew nine colts and geldings.

Sparhawk drew post 7 as the highweight at 118 pounds and will likely be favored in the six-furlong feature.

The sprint attracted several front-running types, including Sparhawk, 6-for-7 speedster Vested in Slew, 2004 Alberta Derby winner Fly Esteem, the newcomer Plagiarist, and Tiger Energy, who makes his 4-year-old debut.

Sparhawk gains a tactical advantage as he has won from just off the pace, a strategy that has produced many Stampede Sprint winners.

A 5-year-old gelding, Sparhawk hails from trainer Floyd Arthur's high-percentage barn, where he blossomed into a star last year. He has not raced since October, but he has proved he can fire fresh and retains his regular rider, Shannon Beauregard.

The expected strong early pace improves the chances of the former Santa Anita campaigner That's an Outrage. He has been posting bullets at Hastings for trainer Terry Jordan the past month while working in company with Sovereign winner True Metropolitan.

The drawback to That's an Outrage is the 6-year-old gelding's 2-for-32 career record, something Quincy Welch will attempt to improve from post 5.

Churchbridge rates a look at a price following his impressive allowance win here April 8. He will be rolling from midpack under Stephan Heiler.