Wartock vulnerable at low odds

CALGARY. Alberta - Wartock, a 7-year-old gelding who is 5 for 5 going a half-mile at this course, puts that record on the line in Sunday's featured seventh race for $30,000 claimers.

However, should Wartock's odds not be attractive enough, price players have some angles to look at.

In his victory against $22,000 company a week ago, Wartock broke from post 7, and rider Stephan Heiler had to hustle him to engage Italian Sunset in the run down the backstretch. When that rival retired rather early, Wartock was the beneficiary and turned for home with a comfortable lead. His winning margin was a diminishing length at the wire, and he tests much tougher company here.

Wartock drew the rail, a post not favored in sprints out of the chute at this five-furlong oval. He is vulnerable as an underlay in this spot.

Cool Bender drew the outside post in the field of seven and comes off an even effort against allowance foes in what was arguably the best field assembled at this young meeting.

Boldanzar won that race in 44.20 seconds, .40 faster than Wartock's winning time later in the day, and Cool Bender was beaten just 4 3/4 lengths in the crowded field of 10.

Cool Bender showed speed against the best sprinters on the circuit last year, has a win at this distance, and could provide the upset at decent odds. Sean Evans retains the mount.