Terrific Temper finished second by three-quarters of a length to Chance to Excel in the $1.15 million Ed Burke Million Futurity at Los Alamitos on June 21, the closest any runner came to Chance to Excel during that gelding’s three-race winning streak in the spring and early summer.

Chance to Excel is sidelined until 2021 with injury, while Terrific Temper continues his 2-year-old campaign on Sunday in the sixth of seven time trials for the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association Breeders’ Futurity at Los Alamitos.

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Trainer Jim Meyaard had been operating in relative anonymity, mostly on the Alberta “B” circuit, when he set up shop at Northlands Park in 2007.

Now, after making a serious impression at that Edmonton racetrack over the last three seasons, Meyaard has moved his operation to Woodbine and has every intention of remaining.

No Hesitation will try to get back on track when he runs in a $40,000 optional claiming race at Northlands Park on Friday. The six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew nine horses, but most of the attention will be zeroed in on No Hesitation, the 2010 horse of the year in Alberta who has gone winless in three starts since he won the Grade 3 Canadian Derby last August.

As expected, No Hesitation was named the 2010 horse of the year in Alberta at the Night of Champions dinner held at Northlands Park on Saturday night.

Trained by Jim Meyaard, No Hesitation dominated the local 3-year-old division. He won all five of his starts at Northlands in 2010, including the Grade 3 Canadian Derby with usual rider Rico Walcott aboard.  He is owned by Barbara Side.

Meyaard also trains Alywyn, who was voted the top older filly or mare. Racing for Side Management Ltd. Alywyn won four races ,including the City of Edmonton Handicap and Duchess of York.

Trainer Jim Meyaard isn’t sure where No Hesitation will make his next start following his win over Kara’s Orientation in the Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park last Saturday.

“We’ll mull it over this week and make a decision soon,” said Meyaard. “He appears to have come out of the race in excellent shape.”
Meyaard mentioned the Grade 3 British Columbia Derby at Hastings on Sept. 26 as a possibility.

EDMONTON, Alberta – No Hesitation left no doubt he is the top 3-year-old in Western Canada with a convincing win over Kara’s Orientation in the Grade 3, $300,000 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park Saturday. The race was marred by a three-horse spill on the third turn.

EDMONTON, Alberta – Speed, and which horse will be able to carry it going around four turns, seems to be the theme for Saturday’s Grade 3, $300,000 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park. The 1 3/8-mile feature attracted 10 horses and headlines a strong 13-race card that includes the $75,000 Speed to Spare for 3-year-olds and up and the $75,000 City of Edmonton Distaff for fillies and mares. Post time for the derby is 3:45 p.m. Mountain.

Morning-line favorite at 2-1, No Hesitation will break from post 4 in the Grade 3, $300,000 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park on Saturday. The 1 3/8-mile feature drew 10 horses, and post positions were chosen by their connections at the Canadian Derby breakfast Wednesday morning.

No Hesitation, trained by Jim Meyaard, has won the last three stakes for 3-year-olds at Northlands. Professor Pollard, also trained by Meyaard, was the first horse out of the box. Owner Hal Veale, acting on advice from Meyaard, chose post 6.

Meyaard was pleased with the draw.

Trainer Jim Meyaard finished one-two with No Hesitation and Professor Pollard in the $50,000 Count Lathum at Northlands Park on Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile Count Lathum is the final local prep for the Grade 3, $300,000 Canadian Derby on Aug. 21.

Trainer Jim Meyaard was resolute when he was asked about the chances of No Hesitation in Saturday’s $50,000 Ky Alta Handicap at Northlands Park, a race in which No Hesitation will be stretching out for the first time.

“We’re always smarter afterward, but he sure seems like a horse that will go long,” he said.