What the Devil sharp favorite at Northlands

What the Devil figures to be a short price when he goes for his second straight win at Northlands Park on Monday. The 1 3/8-mile $7,500 starter handicap for 3-year-olds and up drew seven horses and goes as the eighth race.

What the Devil has two wins and a second-place finish in three starts at the distance. Trained by Jim Meyaard, What the Devil looked good winning a 1 5/16-mile starter race on Aug. 22 and he figures to get a similar trip on Monday.

With Rickey Walcott in the irons, What the Devil sat just behind the lone speed in his last race, took the lead on the stretch turn, and then held off a late run by Bearish.

The speed in on Monday will be provided by Nomanisanisland, who is coming off of an 8 1/4-length front-running win a bottom-level claiming race on Aug. 26. Trained by Robert Kingston, Nomanisanisland might be a little suspect at the distance, with a 238 Tomlinson Figure.

Jockey Kenyatta Davis has the unenviable task of trying to slow down Nomanisanisland during the early stages of the race.

Fado figures to be the second choice. Trained by Robertino Diodoro, Fado ran an even race to finish third behind What the Devil on Aug. 22. He went into the race off two straight wins.

Last year, Beau Run upset What the Devil in a similar race. The difference is that in 2008 he was coming off of a win in a bottom-level claiming race. In his last start this year he finished sixth in the race won by Nomanisanisland. Beau Run has absolutely no speed but that might not be a problem with a lively pace expected.