Trainer standings still tight

EDMONTON, Alberta - A duel for leading trainer at this meet has developed heading into Wednesday's program, which kicks off the final four days of the 62-day stand here at Northlands Park.

Red Smith has led virtually from day one, but Greg Tracy posted a hat trick last Saturday and his 31 victories place him just one back.

Tracy continues to dominate in the juvenile ranks and saddled a pair of 2-year-old winners Saturday, both ridden by Roy Ramirez.

The mounts came open courtesy of a busy weekend of travel for five local riders, and Ramirez, with a win on Sunday's program, doubled his meet total from three to six victories.

Quincy Welch had the most profitable excursion, scoring for trainer Terry Jordan on Saturday with Alpine Garden in the B.C. Oaks and on True Metropolitan the following day in the Sir Winston Churchill at Hastings.

Stephan Heiler was in Vancouver on Saturday to ride Tanika in the Oaks, where she finished fourth.

Jake Barton and Real Simard headed west Sunday for the Gradeo3 B.C. Derby, and Barton was able to get 26-1 longshot Gandolf up for second behind Celtic Dreamin. Simard and Footprint went off at 9-2 in the B.C. Derby and were prominent early before fading to last.

Leading rider Rickey Walcott headed east to Assiniboia Downs. He ran third aboard Selita's Dream in Saturday's Matron and won with Tejano Trouble ($7.50) in Sunday's Gold Breeders' Cup.