While doing his part to ensure the 19-date fall meet at Northlands Park kicks off smoothly this evening, racing secretary Al Bott took some time to comment on horse numbers at the Edmonton track and 2010 race
dates in the province.
In terms of the amount of horses currently available for the Northlands fall meet, Bott was quoted in an Edmonton Sun as saying, "we don't have enough horses." When Bott discussed particular numbers, he said "about 300; that could make it tough, but we'll get through."
One thing which is for certain is that when the standardbred head to the gate for the upcoming dashes at Northlands, each will be highly anticipated. With a reduced amount of 19 race dates on the docket, each card will feature some of Alberta's finest in search of a multitude of stakes events.
Tonight's meet-opening card over the Northlands oval will feature a pair of eliminations for the Western Filly Pace for three-year-olds. Northlands' Saturday card will feature a pair of elims for the Western Pace for three-year-old colts and geldings.
The meet will be highlighted by the 'Battle of Alberta' Super Finals, which will take place Saturday, December 5 in which over a half-million dollars will be up for grabs.
In terms of 2010 standardbred race dates, in which dates were outlined for Grande Prairie, Lacombe and Northlands, Bott said "the negotiations are going on right now" and that "we just have to wait until everything is decided."
Click here to the read the Edmonton Sun article in its entirety.
(With files from the Edmonton Sun)
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