Stablemates look sharp at Northlands

The Cody Anderson-owned and -trained entry of Stephanson and Ghost Pirate should go favored in the feature race at Northlands Park on Friday. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up running for a top claiming price of $17,500 drew eight horses and goes as the seventh race.

Both Stephanson and Ghost Pirate are stepping up in class after winning for $13,000. Stephanson came from just off the pace to beat Power Shift June 13. Ghost Pirate led every step of the way in his win over next-out winner Holy Soul on June 10.

Ghost Pirate is the more consistent of the two, and when he gets on a roll he's a tough horse to beat. Last year he won his first three races before he had his streak stopped when he finished second in a $17,500 claiming race at Stampede Park on May 28. He came back to win his next start. From nine races last year he compiled a record of 4-2-1 for earnings of $36,203. Only one of his 11 wins has been at Northlands.

Perry Winters retains the mount.

Little Davey was stakes placed as a 3-year-old last year and he will be running for a claiming price for the first time in his career. He is also back with trainer Ron Grieves after three dull starts in Lethbridge. He worked a very sharp five furlongs June 27, and could he could be dangerous from off the pace with Quincy Welch aboard.