The $50,000 R.K. Red Smith Handicap unfolds on Saturday, July 12 at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in Edmonton, Alberta. Scheduled as Race 4 (post time: 6:15 PM MT), this 1⅛-mile dirt contest is restricted to fillies and mares aged 3 and up, drawing a field of six with a blend of local champions, stakes-tested veterans, and pedigree-rich contenders.
Full Field Breakdown: Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Sire (Dam) |
| 1 | Sunblaze | Amadeo Perez | Barbara Heads | Sungold × Tierra Del Feugo (Finality) |
| 2 | Maturity Date | Rasheed Hughes | Robertino Diodoro | Upstart × Sing Lady Sing (Scat Daddy) |
| 3 | Big Hug | Jose M. Asencio | Rick Hedge | Mr. Big × Temeeku (Unusual Heat) |
| 4 | Force to Rekn With | Brian Boodramsingh | Robert Van Overschot | Counterforce × Noble Perfection |
| 5 | Tone It Up | Keihton Natera | David Nicholson | Tonalist × Achiever’s Legacy (City Zip) |
| 6 | Silkstone | Enrique A. Gonzalez | Tim Rycroft | Birdstone × Silkworm (Dixie Union) |
Top Contenders & Strategic Insights
Big Hug – Alberta’s Reigning Queen
Trainer: Rick Hedge
Pedigree: Mr. Big × Temeeku (Unusual Heat)
Credentials: 2024 Alberta Horse of the Year; winner of this race last year
Style: Tactical speed with a strong closing kick
Jockey: Jose Asencio, who guided her to multiple stakes wins
Angle: Carries top weight (126 lbs); proven over distance and surface
Maturity Date – Classy Kentucky-Bred Threat
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
Pedigree: Upstart × Sing Lady Sing (Scat Daddy)
Form: Stakes-placed in U.S.; sharp allowance win at Century Mile
Jockey: Rasheed Hughes, known for patient timing
Angle: Lightly raced with upside; could sit off the pace and pounce
Sunblaze – Local Speedster with Upside
Trainer: Barbara Heads
Pedigree: Sungold × Tierra Del Feugo (Finality)
Form: Multiple wins at Century Mile; consistent front-runner
Jockey: Amadeo Perez, top local rider
Angle: Drawn inside; could control early fractions
Pedigree Power Plays
Tone It Up (Tonalist × Achiever’s Legacy): Stamina-rich bloodlines; Tonalist progeny excel at 9 furlongs
Silkstone (Birdstone × Silkworm): Birdstone offspring often improve with age and distance
Force to Rekn With (Counterforce × Noble Perfection): Alberta-bred with solid black-type lineage
Suggested Wagers:
Win/Place: Big Hug
Exacta Box: Big Hug / Maturity Date / Sunblaze
Trifecta Key: Big Hug over Maturity Date and Tone It Up
Race Details
Race: R.K. Red Smith Handicap (Race 4)
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 6:15 PM MT
Track: Century Mile, Edmonton, Alberta
Surface: Dirt
Distance: 1⅛ miles
Purse: $50,000
