Sprint Championship, Jenkins look wide open

CALGARY, Alberta - Racing secretary Barry McGrath received 12 nominations for next Saturday's Stampede Park Sprint Championship. The $50,000 handicap stakes, for 4-year-olds and upwards, is limited to 10 starters.

The contenders for the Stampede Park Sprint Champion-ship include Chief Mtn and Deputy Country, one-two finishers in a major allowance prep last Saturday; Fancy As, an eye-catching winner here last Sunday; 2004 Alberta Derby hero Fly Esteem; Kat Kool, a top 3-year-old from 2004 who has been working very well for his seasonal debut; and the 5-year-old Rindanica, who likewise comes into the six-furlong sprint off an impressive string of works.

Seven fillies and mares have been nominated to next Sunday's $50,000 M.R. Jenkins Memorial.

A Shaky Start will be asked to carry high weight. She toted 124 pounds to victory last weekend. Recent winners Rum Candi and Unforgettable Too are expected to provide the most serious opposition.

Saturday's fifth race, for $30,000 claimers, drew a full field of 10 and offers a superfecta. Fussy's Kid, an 8-year-old who has tested top sprinters throughout his career, faces Saw Grass Sabre, winner of the President's Stakes here last spring; Sweet Drummer, a six-furlong specialist who has always run well here in the spring; and several others with a shot.