The very talented young horseman had a driving triple on Saturday, May 10th with Minettas Leader in the first race, and then back to back wins in the fourth with Roof Daddy and Uptown Spirit in the Fifth. Cullen lit up the board once again on Sunday, May 11th with a driving/training triple with Officialconnection in the fourth, Overnight Success in the tenth and Yankee Luke in the eleventh.
Criminal Takes Open!
Crackers Hot Shot & Premium Attaction qualify!
Smooth Criminal had no trouble getting back to his winning ways. Ending the Northlands meet in March with back to back wins Smooth Criminal found himself back in the winner’s circle at Alberta Downs this past weekend. The 5yr-old gelding took the $8400 Open Handicap Pace at on Sunday, May 11th in his first start of the meet driven by his regular pilot Bill Tainsh Jr. Smooth Criminal left from post six and easily making it to the front hitting the first quarter in 28.4.
Driver Tainsh Jr. gave up the lead early to Timberline Court (Hudon) and carved out a perfect pocket trip. The duo waited for the stretch to tip out and prevailed for the win in 1:55. American Adventure (Monkman) slipped by Timberline Court for second. Timberline Court finished third in the field of seven. This was Smooth Criminal’s fifth win in nine starts in 2014 for his owners Willie Wychopen of St. Paul and Walter Moroz of Edmonton. The Blue Burner gelding now has $211,534 in lifetime earnings.
Saturday’s winners were Minettas Leader (Cullen), Oh Yeah (Giesbrecht), Wrangler Hitech (Sobey), Roof Daddy (Cullen), Uptown Spirit (Cullen), They Call Me Rosie (Hoerdt), Skade (Hoerdt), Blue Star Beauty (Clark), Cenalta Power (Grundy), Modern Cowboy (Redwood) and Mr. Brightside (Hudon).
Sunday’s winners were Whatchamacallum (B Gray), Hot Sex (Hudon), Shes A Ladro (Hudon), Officalconnection (Cullen), Senga Nanjeing (Grundy), Pinepitch Cam (Watt), Rummys Command (Clark), Greek Ruler (Hoerdt), Smooth Criminal (Tainsh), Overnight Success (Cullen) and Yankee Luke (Cullen).
2013 Horse of the Year & Champion 3yr-old AB Sired Filly Crackers Hot Shot qualified on Sunday, May 11th. The talented 4yr-old Camcracker mare won her qualifier in 2:00 with Bill Tainsh Jr. on board. Also qualifying was the 2013 3yr-old AB Sired Champion Colt Premium Attaction on Saturday May 10th in 2:02.1 for driver/trainer Kelly Hoerdt. We look forward to seeing both of these Champions line up behind the gate in the very near future.
Fan Appreciation Day At Alberta Downs
Fan Appreciation Day will be held this holiday Monday May 19th. The Victoria Day holiday will have an estimated total of $2000 in betting vouchers for the day and one lucky fan will cash a ticket every race sponsored by ASHA. In addition, one lucky bettor will win a “I Love Canadian Harness Racing” bag filled with gifts. There will be $5.00 “Food special” combo which includes a hotdog, pop and chips.
Bring A Friend Day – June 8
Standardbred Canada and the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club are partnering with racetracks across the country to present the Bring A Friend promotion during the weekend of June 6-8.
ALBERTA DOWNS in Lacombe, AB will be hosting their “Bring A Friend” Day on Sunday June 8th. Post Time: 1:15pm.
Activities include:
- Draws (rides in starting gate car, winner’s circle presentation, paddock tours and behind the scenes tours)
- Free Programs
- Free $2 Bet
- Meet the Drivers