Dudett gets early
nod
Da Lil Dudett, a daughter of Apaches
Fame out of South Ferry, has been tabbed as a strong 4-5
favorite in Sunday’s $20,400 Arbutus Stake for fillies at
Sandown Park.
Despite not racing since June 18,
Dudett, owned by the Lil Dude Ranch, is expected to dominate
from the three hole. That June start was a second in the
Northlands Filly Pace in Edmonton, three lengths behind Just
Sassy who won in 1:54.2.
She has been on the board in eight of
10 starts in 2004 and captured the Delta Pace at Fraser
Downs in March after a 2003 in which she won five races in
seven starts and was named B.C.’s two-year-old filly of the
year.
A recent addition to the B.C. scene,
Rustle For It, has been first three times and second once in
four starts in 2004 and is the second choice at 9-2. Sharons
Pass is at 5-1 and rounding out the field are Miss St Labush;
the entry of Red Stars, Suesue and Cowgirl; Tahuya Glamorous
and Red Star Sunbeam.
The $20,700 Oaktree for three-year-old
colts and geldings on Saturday should be a more open
affair.
The Tim Brown-trained entry of Sail On
Saylor, a winner in 1:58.3 in one elimination last week, and
Sail The Seven Seas is a 2-1 favorite despite drawing the
seven and eight holes respectively in the eight-horse
field.
Notorious Pick, another elim winner, is
second choice at 4-1 and Phantom is third selection at 9-2
and was best in the third of last week’s eliminations.
Meekos Trucker, who drew the rail, is at 5-1. The others are
Da Lil Dude, Kamajo Ken and Red Star Soprano.
WHITE FIRST UP: Rick White was
best off the gate for opening weekend at Sandown as he
picked up three wins, both as a driver and trainer.
Scott Knight and Dave Jungquist also
had three driving victories while Tim Brown, John Vukelich,
Larry Micallef, Grant Hollingsworth and Gord Abbott had two
each.
Knight and Ann Cooper were next best
among the conditioners with two victories apiece.
CORRECTION: A recent story
listed Seven Seas Cruiser as the Fraser Downs track record
holder for three-year-old colts and geldings. He was for two
weeks before Hi Time Ascot, by Barnett Hanover out of Hi
Time Lady, lowered the mark to 1:54.1 on April 2. Ascot is
owned by Western Pacific Stable, trained by Ray Gemmill and
bred by Terry and Gordon Staples.
BITS AND WRAPS: The big man with
the big grin is Joe Gray. The 21-year-old son of owner Kelly
Hudon and stepson of driver/trainer Dave Hudon achieved his
first win as a trainer last Sunday at Sandown. Joe harnessed
Carolyn Holmes N, a nine-year-old mare he owns along with
mom, and the daughter of Holmes Hanover won her fourth of
the year and first for the new conditioner, taking the 11th
race with driver Scott Knight.
Trainer/driver Mike Short became a new
father July 2 when partner Lisa Taylor gave birth to Alyssa
Nicole. The little filly, born at Burnaby General, weighed
eight pounds.
Patrons may recognize the name J F
Gagne who is driving this weekend at Sandown. Jean Francois
is a top driver/trainer in Alberta who has 550 career
driving wins.
MAINMAN’S MOONSHOT: Due to
popular demand (my favorite aunt) the Moonshot will return
for racing at Sandown. The only criteria is that the
selection be made from a horse which is 10-1 or higher in
the morning line odds. This week, two of five at Sandown, we
like Feeling Strong, a 10-1 choice in the second race
Saturday.
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