Two put streaks on line

EDMONTON, Alberta - Sparhawk will be in quest of his third straight victory, and fifth in his last seven outings, when he heads a field of nine 3-year-olds sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs in an optional claimer here Friday at Northlands Park

Since being claimed by trainer Monica Russell from a second-place finish against $12,000 claimers, Sparhawk has handily won two in a row for a $17,500 claiming price for owner Mickey Demers.

Shannon Beauregard, aboard for the last two victories, will have the return mount. In seven outings this year, Sparhawk has won four times with two seconds and a third.

Sparkhawk will face Huntley's Creek, who is on a five-race win streak of his own. Yves Trudel will saddle Huntley's Creek, a California-bred who started his streak against $7,000 claimers and defeated optional $32,000 claimers last time out.

Huntley's Creek was claimed for $17,500 while scoring his fourth straight win. Huntley Creek, who will carry a $32,000 claiming tag here, is the only one in the field in for a price. He will be ridden by Rojidan Ramirez.

Courtney Bay lost a photo to Forever Rascal in the Count Lathum, which earned him an unsuccessful try in the Canadian Derby.

Others with stakes experience include Blue Comin Thru, fourth in the Count Lathum and up the track in the Canadian Derby; Love's Conquest, who has been second twice since being unplaced in the Ky Alta; and Frank'satschanks, who was fourth in the Count Lathum.

King Tukk scored his maiden victory in the spring at Stampede Park.

Looking for their first wins of the season are Glens Friend and Magic for Six.