Alberta Fall Classic, Century Mile; Another Record Handle

12 races and 7 stakes lured horse racing fans and players to the betting platforms Sunday night for Century Mile’s big card of racing. Over $1.3 million was wagered on the card, setting a new record for the track.

MASKWECIS, an Alberta-bred 3-year-old by Jimmy Creed – Maidstone by Aptitude won an exciting renewal of the $40,000 Beaufort Stakes at Century Mile Sept. 6 the final prep for the $100,000 Canadian Derby in 3 weeks.

Owned by Carole and and Jim Barker and Red Ron Farms and trained by Red Smith, MASKWECIS bided his time about three lengths off a strong pace and then rallied wide to win by 3/4 of a length under Rico Walcott.

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Maskwecis was bred by Doug Oberg and groomed by Dennis Sexton, aka Bear.

For more on the interesting story of Maskwecis, check out this story.

Shimshine was back in the stakes winner’c circle as the 5-year-old gelding won a stretch duel with Regal Max to take the 24th Running of the Alberta Breeders Handicap. The son of Wilko – Simmery by Menifee is owned by White Pine Ranch, trained by Elige Bourne and bred by Wally Pugh and Andy Stronach. The gelding was ridden by Anastasios Chalaris and is cared for by exercise rider/groom Chris Macdonald.

Walter and Jason Pitruniak of White Pine Ranch campaigned Shimshine through his Canadian Derby prep races two years ago and Walter said of this stakes win “He’s pretty special. We waited 20 years to find one like him, and we lucked out! We couldn’t be happier right now!”

Pearl of Knowledge won the Sturgeon River for 2 year old fillies on Fall Classic day in 2019, and she came back this year to win the Alberta Oaks this year.

The Cape Canaveral – Lil Missknowitall by Kafwain filly is owned by Jim Juris and Don Danard, bred by Starline Thoroughbreds, owners Don Danard and Jim Juris, and trained by Karline Kingston. Rico Walcott rode and she is groomed by Ken Ellis.

Stormchaser got his first stakes win in the Red Diamond Express Handicap. The six year old gelding won his allowance prep on August 21, and captured the $40,000 Red Diamond at 6 furlongs for owner Mitch Sutherland and trainer Jim Brown. The son of Stormin Fever – It’s All Academic by Royal Academy was bred by Moonshine Meadows.

The skies opened in the 40th Running of the Sturgeon River Stakes for 2 year old fillies but the weather didn’t hamper Light Fast Feet.

Light Fast Feet was bred and is owned by Doug Oberg. Doug said “I knew she could close, and tonight she got a great trip. Thanks to Ernie for doing such a great job with her!”

Light Fast Feet (Declassify, out of Wilko Rose) is trained by Ernie Keller, was ridden by Shamaree Muir, was paddocked by Big Mike. Ernie sends a special thank you to assistant trainer Mike Keller.

Dancing Willie danced his way to a runaway victory in the 42 Running of the Alberta Premier’s Futurity for 2 year olds. The son of Giop Ponti – Bling It On took the lead and never looked back to win by 4 1/2 lengths. Congratulations to breeder Wes and Jenn Hanson, owner/trainer Tom Rycroft, jockey Anastasios Chalaris and groom Jill Klubi.

The final race on the Alberta Fall Classic card was the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff for older mares.

Piper Rose went from last to first in an exciting finish. The 6-year-old mare got the 9th win of her career in a mild upset. Piper Rose (Whiskey Wisdom, out of Alpinia) was bred by Lamont Heppner, is owned by Tina Stone and Linda Smith, trained by Red Smith, ridden by Rey Williams and groomed by Cheryl Friesan.

Co-owner Tina Stone said “This was awesome! She’s the first horse I’ve owned on my own. When Linda asked if I wanted to go together on a horse I was thrilled and now I’m beyond excited.”