Winning team is reunited

EDMONTON, Alberta - Father Jones and jockey Quincy Welch are reunited in Friday's Northlands Park feature, a second-level allowance that drew a competitive field of six colts and geldings.

Welch has guided Father Jones to two victories this year, a maiden tally at Stampede Park in May and an allowance win here two starts ago. Both victories came at one mile and Father Jones will be traveling 6 1/2 furlongs Friday for trainer Dale Greenwood. His last outing came at this same distance, and Father Jones was caught three wide and faded in the stretch to finish fourth under Desmond Bryan.

Welch breaks Father Jones from post 2, and they are in line for an ideal stalking trip behind probable pacesetters Northern Silence and Smokem Ninetynine.

Northern Silence exits the same race as Father Jones and was the early leader that day before yielding late to run third in a strong performance. Rickey Walcott will break Northern Silence from post 3. They will face early pressure from Smokem Ninetynine, who drew post 5 with Ron Blinston up.

Beaming won his first start in Alberta here Sept. 7, easily besting just three rivals in a maiden race contested over a track rated good. Trainer Greg Tracy worked Beaming a bullet five furlongs in 1:00.40 on Sept. 16.

Anchor Steam drew the outside post and probably wants more ground, but will be closing ground late under Jake Barton.