Top local juveniles finally meet

EDMONTON, Alberta Robo Willie and Rock Creek Bobby meet for the first time as the major protagonists in the $50,000 Canadian Juvenile at Northlands Park on Monday.

Robo Willie, winner of the Edmonton Juvenile and Birdcatcher, carries 120 pounds and concedes two pounds to each of his four rivals. Rock Creek Bobby brings a two-race winning streak of his own to the table, including an impressive victory in the Sales Stakes on Aug. 16 which earned him a Beyer Figure of 65 for running 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:18.20.

All five entrants will be trying a mile for the first time, and the duel for the early lead and possibly a divisional championship promises to be a hotly contested one between the leaders of the local 2-year-old class.

Robo Willie drew the rail, and although his time of 1:19.60 in the 6 1/2-furlong Birdcatcher on Aug. 3 produced a Beyer Figure of just 42, the colt was carried out in the run through the first turn and persevered for a handy victory under Rickey Walcott.

Rock Creek Bobby drew post 3 with Quincy Welch back in the irons, and the gelding, who has yet to be headed, is surely the toughest opponent Robo Willie has faced to date.

Quiet Approach, a distant second twice to Robo Willie, and Joans Remark, seven lengths back of Rock Creek Bobby last out, would need to elevate their games to threaten.

Its Good to Be Me was also carried out in the Birdcatcher, and he came back to win his maiden in good time. Its Good to Be Me is trained by Monica Russell, who won this race last year with longshot House Mouse, and he has improved each start.