Any of the six horses entered in Friday’s feature race at Northlands Park are capable of winning the $22,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up. The six-furlong sprint will go as race 7.
The way the race unfolds will have a big impact on which horse will be successful. There is plenty of speed in the field and if a duel develops it could set up nicely for Plagiarist, who is as honest as they come.
A 7-year-old California-bred, Plagiarist won 4 of his 9 starts in 2009 and he has kept his sharp form at the current meet, winning 3 of 7. He was claimed by trainer Cody Anderson out of a win for $17,500 on July 9, and in his first race for Anderson he made a late run to just miss in a $22,000 claiming race July 30.
Stephan Heiler retains the mount and he figures to ease Plagiarist off of what will likely be a lively pace.
Jim Meyaard, who had been Plagiarist’s trainer since 2007, has entered Commanding Ace. There isn’t much doubt about the strategy that will be employed by jockey Rico Walcott – Commanding Ace wants the lead. He was favored in his latest, but after setting honest fractions he tired to finish third behind Plagiarist July 30.
It’s Good to Be Me also likes to be involved early. After front-running wins in his first two starts this year he chased Cool Synsation all the way around both turns to finish second in a $30,000 claiming race July 4.
Robo Willie and A Royal Tizzy can also wing it early. Pickinontheolbangjo rounds out the competitive field.
