Wye Red goes after Fever again

EDMONTON, Alberta - Wye Red will be looking for back-to-back victories in the one-mile optional claiming feature at Northlands Park on Friday. An Alberta-bred trained by Garry Marks, Wye Red faces four other 3-year-olds, including three with stakes experience.

Wye Red has been on the board in all four of his starts this season. After being photoed out by Friday opponent Fever on May 19, Wye Red won his next outing handily by 3 1/2 lengths.

Rickey Walcott retains the mount on Wye Red, who drew post 2.

After his nose victory at a mile over Wye Red, Fever stepped up to run in the Alberta Derby. But after being shuffled far back early, Fever failed to threaten and finished sixth while passing tiring horses. Fever, a Kentucky-bred trained by Stuart Simon, will break from the rail under Quincy Welch, who was aboard for his maiden victory over six furlongs at Stampede Park.

Napinowaan, an Illinois-bred, has tried stakes in his last two appearances. After finishing sixth in the President's Handicap, Napinowaan was a well-beaten third in the Hoofprint on My Heart. Leanne Painter, who won with Napinowaan in his seasonal bow, regains the mount. Painter also rode Napinowaan to a win and a third in his only starts as a 2-year-old.

Bethune, who gets a new rider in Real Simard, finished seventh in the Hoofprint on My Heart.