Spectrus will try to move forward in Wednesday feature
Spectrus will appreciate the easier company when he runs in a $25,000 optional-claiming race Wednesday evening at Northlands Park. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew eight horses and goes as the seventh race.
The first two races on the eight-race card that begins at 6:30 p.m. Mountain will be of interest to Quarter Horse fans. The $58,950 Alberta Stallion Stakes Futurity will be followed by the $29,603 Alberta Stallion Stakes Derby. Both races will be contested over 330 yards.
Trained by Rod Cone, Spectrus is coming off a fourth-place finish in a $35,000 optional-claiming race won by multiple stakes winner For Cash on July 1. In his next start, For Cash upset heavily favored Killin Me Smalls in the $60,434 Fred Jones Handicap on July 18.
Spectrus, who has a solid record at the one-mile distance, was going around three turns for the first time this year in his good effort behind For Cash. He could take a big step forward in his second straight route with Scott Williams riding.
Kesler, trained by Alfred Webster, was a handy winner of a similar race July 11 and could be dangerous if he can get clear early. There is other potential speed in the field, however, particularly Corky’s Luck and Midnite Poppa.
KEY CONTENDERS
Spectrus (Last 3 Beyers: 69-46-61)
◗ The five-time winner from 25 starts knows how to win races, and with his decent tactical speed he should get a nice trip stalking what figures to be an honest and contested pace.
Kesler (Last 3 Beyers: 75-70-62)
◗ He is fast and he had never gone farther than 6 1/2 furlongs before he almost took them all the way in a one-mile, $17,500 claiming race June 27. He looked great winning his latest race and could be sitting on a peak effort in his third straight route.
Barfly’s Survivor (Last 3 Beyers: 70-68-37)
◗ The Jerri Robertson trainee chased Kesler the whole way before tiring to finish third in a good effort in just his third start at the meet. He is trending in the right direction, and with other speed in the field he could be dangerous coming from a stalking position.
Bear Fabulous Son (Last 3 Beyers: 52-64-59)
◗ A route winner on Polytrack at Woodbine, the shape of the race should work in his favor. Making his first start on dirt for trainer Craig Smith, he closed with good speed going six furlongs in a $17,500 claiming race July 8.