Stylish Citizen Canadian Derby favorite

EDMONTON, Alberta - Under a double draw system used to determine post positions for Saturday's Grade 3, $300,000 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park, trainer John Ross on Wednesday used the first pick to select post 5 for Stylish Citizen, the 8-5 morning-line favorite. Invaders will take most of the action in the 1 3/8-mile race, which is the highlight of the Northlands racing season. A full field of 12 was entered.

Stylish Citizen has won his last two races, both at Woodbine, including the Charlie Barley Stakes on June 20. He has never run on dirt but Ross is confident he will handle the Northlands surface.

"I had him at Payson Park, which is a deep dirt track, and he handled it beautifully," said Ross.

Stylish Citizen's usual rider, Jim McAleney, will make the trip from Woodbine.

Southern California-based Scorewithcater will break from post 7 and could end up being the public's choice. In California he was in trainer Doug O'Neill's barn, but he will run under the name of local leading trainer Jim Meyaard in the derby. Scorewithcater is coming off a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park on July 18. He beat Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird by a neck in the Borderland Derby at Sunland Park last spring.

It Happened Again will be making his first start for trainer Terry Jordan. Recently purchased by Peter Redekop, It Happened Again finished second in the Grade 3 Barbaro Stakes at Delaware Park on July 19 for his former trainer, Larry Jones. It Happened Again arrived at Woodbine just over a week ago. He worked six furlongs in 1:14 there on Aug. 13.

"I really don't know much about him," said Jordan. "He worked nicely and he has good form over dirt. I think the horse McAleney rides is the one to beat."

Tommy Danzigger earned a 94 Beyer Speed Figure for his win over Almost Time in the B.C. Cup Stellar's Jay at Hastings on Aug. 3. He has the best Tomlinson Figure in the field, 376, for the taxing distance. Almost Time is also in the Canadian Derby field.

Local hopes include Manitoba Derby runner-up Tease the Tiger and Cool Diablo, the winner of the Count Latham Stakes here Aug. 1.