Speed duel would aid Bourbon Country

CALGARY, Alberta - Papoose Dancer, a closing second going four furlongs in her seasonal debut, heads a field of six older fillies and mares in Wednesday's feature for $30,000 claimers at Stampede Park.

Papoose Dancer has run well fresh here in past seasons, recording wins in her first two starts last year, and has tactical speed that should have her on or near the lead in this six-furlong sprint.

Desmond Bryan has the call and breaks Papoose Dancer from post 4 with the speedy Nashwaak Dancer lined up just to her inside with Ron Blinston aboard.

Nashwaak Dancer is also partial to this course, winning 3 of 4 lifetime starts locally, and prepped for her 2008 debut by working a bullet five furlongs in 1:00.80 on March 31.

Little Miss Jo is a third entrant with speed and drew the outside with Quincy Welch up.

The most likely beneficiary should a speed duel develop is Bourbon Country, who drew the rail with Rickey Walcott.

Her present connections thought enough of Bourbon Country to claim her back last September after losing her for the same $25,000 tag two months earlier at Northlands Park.

Bourbon Country's works have been steady and strong for trainer Dale Saunders.

* Cod