Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

Round five of rivalry in the Lads

AUBURN, Wash. - Two-year-olds will take center stage at Emerald Downs on Saturday when Bub and Knightsbridge Road renew their rivalry in the $40,000 WTBA Lads Stakes, and Bisbee's Prospect heads a cast of eight in the $75,000 Barbara Shinpoch Stakes. Both races will be contested at a mile.

Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

Weekend features four stakes

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Four stakes highlight a big weekend of racing at Hastings Park. Saturday's 12-race card features Elana D'amour in the $50,000, 1 1/16-mile Free Vacation for 3-year-old fillies, and Raglan Road, a $100,000 purchase at the Ocala Breeders Sale this April, as a likely favorite over seven other 2-year-olds in the 6 1/2-furlong New Westminster Stakes.

Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

Last works for Longacres Mile

AUBURN, Wash. - Colterkind and Jumron Won put in their final preps for Sunday's Grade 3, $250,000 Longacres Mile on Thursday morning at Emerald Downs, and both left their trainers smiling.

"I'd like to see him go in 35.80," said trainer Roy Lumm just moments before sending Colterkind out for a three-furlong blowout, just after the break for renovation.

A couple of minutes later, Colterkind, a winner of four straight races including the recent Governor's Handicap, flashed past the wire in precisely 35.80 seconds under regular rider Sandi Gann.

Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

Lady Shari Canadian Derby fave

EDMONTON, Alberta - A big field of 11 3-year-olds are entered in Saturday's 73rd running of the $150,000 Canadian Derby, a Grade 3 race that is the highlight of the Northlands Park meeting.

The crowded entry box results in part from the defection of Vancouver-based Lord Shogun, who is sidelined with a minor injury. He is unbeaten this year, with victories in the Alberta Derby, Ky Alta, and Manitoba Derby,

Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

Fridays cut from Hastings' schedule

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Hastings Park has canceled the last four Friday nights of the meet, beginning with Aug. 23. Manag-ement cited lack of business on the four previous Friday nights for the decision.

On Aug. 16, the last Friday card, only $367,770 was bet on the seven races.

"The decision was made with the long-term view of providing our customers, both here and through our distribution channels, a quality product every time we race," said Phil Heard, president of Hastings Entertainment Inc.

Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

'Full Scream' too classy in Canadian Derby

EDMONTON, Alberta - A strong undercard, headed by the $75,000 Edmonton Distaff, supports the Canadian Derby at Northlands Park Saturday.

In the Distaff, which is richest race of the year at Northlands for fillies and mares, Full Scream Ahead tries to put an exclamation mark on what has been an outstanding season.

Full Scream Ahead arrived in Alberta after racing at Hastings Park and northern California and won the $40,000 John Patrick on July 19. She has been dominant in her two starts here and a victory Saturday would push her seasonal earnings to more than $115,000.

Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

Prince of Wales winner back on track

FORT ERIE, Ontario - Le Cinquieme Essai, who won the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes at Forth Erie on July 21, is back in training.

Because of a high temperature, Le Cinquieme Essai sat out the final leg of Canada's Triple Crown, the $500,000 Breeders' Stakes at Woodbine Aug. 10. It wasn't until Sunday that Le Cinquieme Essai, who is trained by Fort Erie-based Paul Nielsen, resumed training.

"He jogged a mile on Sunday and Monday," said Nielsen. "Then he galloped his first mile and a half of training on Tuesday. He's acting like a fool again, so I think he's okay."

Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

Manitoba Derby rivals rematched

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Silver Greek is the probable favorite in a field of seven 3-year-olds in Saturday's $30,000 Harry Jeffery Stakes at 1 1/8 miles.

Silver Greek comes off a second-place finish in the Manitoba Derby. Trained by Chad Torevell, Silver Greek's lone win came here in maiden special weight company in his start before the Manitoba Derby. Tim Gardiner will ride Silver Greek, who breaks from post 4.

Ekati and Beau Pip also exit the Manitoba Derby, in which they finished third and fourth.

Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

Beau Ring looks good, but is no sure thing

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - Six older horses will compete in Saturday's 1 1/8-mile Fred Mendel Memorial at Marquis Downs, and while Beau Ring should be the public's choice to repeat in the race, his task will not be an easy one.

Beau Ring has won 15 of 24 starts and earned $101,969, putting him among the best Saskatchewan-breds of all time.

Thu, 08/22/2002 - 00:00

Krz Ruckus tries for three in a row

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Krz Ruckus will seek his third straight stakes score Saturday at Woodbine, taking on Sambuca on Ice, Trailthefox, and Runaway Love in the $126,000 Shepperton, a 6 1/2-furlong dash for Ontario-sired runners.

Krz Ruckus finished second after getting cooked in a pace duel with Trailthefox in the 2001 Shepperton. He lost his first two starts this year, but then won with a gutsy front-running performance in the July 3 Overskate Stakes.