Victory by 'Will' would be fitting

CALGARY, Alberta - Northtown Will, stakes placed last year at 2, makes his 2005 debut against six 3-year-old rivals in the $18,000 Lindsay Family Feature, which runs as the seventh race here Wednesday evening.

Trained by Red Smith, Northtown Will comes into the optional $32,000 claimer off some very fast drills and will be the betting and sentimental favorite in the six-furlong sprint, named in honor of the late Frank Lindsay, a major owner in the Smith shed row for two decades.

An Alberta-bred son of Williamstown, Northtown Will is the one to catch off his juvenile form, which saw him make the lead in the Sales Stakes at Northlands Park last August prior to yielding to stablemate Blinkanhesgone in the stretch.

Northtown Will's latest work, a five-furlong move in 1:00.20, should have him on his toes. He drew post 2 with Real Simard up.

His About drew the rail, and Quincy Welch opted to retain the mount after being aboard Northtown Will in each of his six outings last year.

He's About to Pop looks like an astute claim by trainer Dale Saunders. He has worked back twice since running second to Golden Hunt on opening day. Golden Hunt equalled the four-furlong track record of 43.80 in that race.

Bearbiscuit, a handy winner in his career debut under Rickey Walcott here April 10, appeared to have plenty left in his four-furlong victory, accomplished in 44.60.