Tejano Trouble finds the right spot

EDMONTON, Alberta Tejano Trouble has been patiently waiting for a place to run since capturing a conditioned allowance here July 30. And trainer Lianne Knechtel found a spot on Sunday: an allowance for nonwinners of two other than maiden or claiming in 2008 with an optional claiming clause of $40,000.

The conditions of the one-mile test suit Tejano Trouble perfectly and the gelding figures to be favored in the field of 10 older runners. The finale on the eight-race card, it provides superfecta players a rare opportunity to test their skills in a full field of top-level runners with several dropping out of stakes company.

Tejano Trouble was a handy three-length winner last out after testing the likes of stakes winners Teagues Fight, Footprint and Test Boy in previous outings. He draws post 2 here with Quincy Welch retaining the call.

Howsitgoinghotshot is stretching out for the first time this year after four sprint tries, including a second to Inuit Fisher in the Journal two starts ago. Howsitgoinghotshot, a 4-year-old gelding, equaled the six-furlong course record of 1:09.40 at Stampede Park in his 2008 debut and his tactical speed is an asset here as rider Rico Walcott breaks him from post 8.

Father Jones drew post 9, and rider Shannon Beauregard will also be looking to employ some early foot to avoid being hung wide in the short run to the first turn. Father Jones, a 4-year-old gelding, captured a one-mile allowance two starts back with a pressing trip and was subsequently overmatched in the Westerner.