Timonium: Shiny Sheet vs. 'Ribbon'

Two years ago, Shiny Sheet won the Alma North Stakes at Timonium by 11 1/2 lengths, earning a career-high 100 Beyer Speed Figure.

Last year, Ribbon Cane went wire to wire in the Alma North as the even-money favorite.

Shiny Sheet and Ribbon Cane, who have combined for 19 victories and more than $750,000 in earnings, now meet in the 2004 edition of the Alma North, a $50,000 stakes for Maryland-bred fillies and mares.

It is uncertain how both will adapt to the new distance of the race, which has been shortened from 1 1/16 miles to 6 1/2 furlongs. Neither mare has much experience at the distance.

Ribbon Cane, a 5-year-old trained by Gary Capuano, comes into the race in sharp form, having won her last two starts, one a route at Delaware and the other a seven-furlong restricted stakes at Charles Town.

Shiny Sheet, a 6-year-old trained by Charles Hadry, has been rested since finishing far back in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap July 18. The last time she sprinted, Shiny Sheet finished last of nine in the Barbara Fritchie Handicap, a Grade 2 race at Laurel.