Standoff out to extend streak

Standoff will seek his fourth straight victory against five seemingly overmatched opponents in Friday's $6,000 City Centre Bingo Twin Charities Handicap here at Marquis Downs.

Standoff, owned by Mike Taphorn, has actually crossed the finish line first in his last four races, but he was disqualified from his June 23 victory in the Early's Farm and Garden Handicap after he bore in while negotiating the first turn. Since that time, Standoff has used his stalking style to win the Early Bird Handicap and a pair of allowance races, including a nose victory at Friday's one-mile distance in his last outing on Aug. 4.

Standoff is the 124-pound highweight and will break from the outside post.

Beau Ring, a champion numerous times in Saskatchewan in his younger days, is next in the weights at 117 pounds. A 10-year old gelding, he does his best running at a mile.

One of the richest Saskatchewan-breds of all time, with $167,911 in earnings, Beau Ring has been competing in Manitoba for the past few seasons and has raced exclusively against $3,000 claimers there in 2007. Beau Ring has a 1-2-2 record from 7 outings this year, proving he still has a desire to compete.

Smart Croation will make his first start over the Marquis oval and his first start since April 30, when he finished second at Portland Meadows going 1 1/16 miles. Smart Croation appears to be the lone speed in the event, but you have to wonder if his lone half-mile workout in 48.20 seconds will have him fit enough.

Personal Prince is a 7-year old horse making just his 23rd start, but he ran at tracks such as Saratoga, Belmont, and Calder in his younger days and has earned over $75,000 with just three victories.

Flying Russian and X White Z round out the field.