Teeworth to Hastings invader

CALGARY, Alberta - Blowin in the Wind captured the $50,000 Teeworth Plate here on Saturday under a heady ride from Robert Skelly, who found running room along the rail and took Blowin in the Wind through the opening to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Rindanica was eight lengths clear in second after taking the lead a furlong out. Blowin in the Wind, a Hastings invader owned and trained by Dave Forster, ran the mile in 1:36.20.

Skelly said his mount was "very willing once we found room," and he used only mild right-handed whipping in the lane aboard the Blowin in the Wind, who opened his campaign in Vancouver with a victory in the 6 1/2-furlong George Royal. It was a perfect trip for Blowin in the Wind. He relaxed nicely for Skelly in fifth behind rapid early fractions of 23.60, 46.20, and 1:10.80 set by Deputy Country with Fuhr Ore and Chief Mtn in close attendance. That three-horse duel set the table for the closers in the field of seven.

Rindanica, fourth early, appeared to be on his way to victory under a three-wide move by Quincy Welch. It was another disappointment for the hard-luck Rindanica, who went off as the 3-2 favorite and has now been second in 7 of his last 9 attempts.

Bubblegum Kid rallied from last to finish a distant third and will move on to defend his title in the June 12 Herald Gold Plate.

Forster was noncommittal on whether Blowin in the Wind would return for the $50,000 Herald Gold Plate at 1 1/16 miles.