Viva Slew looks sharp at Northlands

A well matched field of five older fillies and mares running for a top claiming price of $30,000 will square off in the seventh race at Northlands Park.

Viva Slew could end up a slight favorite over Jasper’s Valentine in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint. Viva Slew is coming off of a sharp win for trainer Greg Tracy in a 6 1/2-furlong race for the same price July 11. She was transferred to leading trainer Robertino Diodoro when Tracy had his license revoked on Monday. In the July 11 race, Viva Slew beat Debie Ginsburg by 1 1/2 lengths. Debie Ginsburg came right back to defeat Jasper’s Valentine in a $30,000 claiming race July 24.

Viva Slew tuned up for Friday’s race with a bullet half-mile move in 46.80 July 30 and she figures to put her good speed to use breaking from the rail with Anthony Salgado aboard.

Trained by Jim Meyaard, Jasper’s Valentine is looking for her first win since she romped by 10 lengths in a $40,000 optional race June 2. Favored in her next three starts, she finished fourth in the Wild Rose Handicap, third to Grade 3 winner Holy Nova in a $40,000 optional race July 9, and then lost to Debie Ginsburg in her latest start despite holding a two-length advantage into the stretch.

Viva Slew and Jasper’s Valentine have good speed, and if a duel enthuses it could set up nicely for Dancing Melody, who came from off the pace to win a $20,000 claiming race July 25.

Tricky Temper is making her first start since she finished second to John Patrick and Madamoiselle winner Shakenwithanolive in a 3 1/2-furlong $40,000 optional race May 21.