Wondrous Zeal heads featured sprint

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Friday's Assiniboia Downs feature, a six-furlong dash for $20,000 claimers, drew a field of seven headed by Wondrous Zeal.

After finishing third in the Free Press here June 15, Wondrous Zeal journeyed to Canterbury Park and finished eighth in an open allowance race over five furlongs of turf. An easy winner over $20,000 claimers here June 1, will carry high weight of 124 pounds and break from the inside post under Travis Hightower.

The $11,800 headliner goes as the eighth of nine races on the program, which begins at 7 p.m.

* Ericka's Lass overcame the tough post 12 going 5 1/2 furlongs at Assiniboia Downs last Sunday to win the $35,000 Debutante Stakes.

Ericka's Lass left little doubt as to who was the best 2-year-old filly on the grounds as she opened a short lead early and set fractions of 23.40 seconds and 48.60. Ridden by Mike Iammarino, she increased her margin and went on to win by four lengths in 1:07.80.

Warmnfuzzyfeelin rallied for second, three-quarters of a length in front of Onewaytoheaven. Twice Removed, the favorite at 2-1, was four lengths back in fourth.

Ericka's Lass, who paid $7.90 as the second choice, is trained by Emile Corbel and owned by Empire Stable.