Track: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino (Edmonton, AB)
Race: Race 8 – Northlands Distaff Handicap
Distance: 1 mile & 70 yards (Dirt)
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $75,000
Eligibility: Fillies & Mares, 3-Year-Olds and Up
Post Time: 8:15 PM MDT
The Northlands Distaff Handicap returns with a competitive field of seven fillies and mares, each bringing a mix of class, stamina, and pedigree power to this listed stakes event. With high weights in play and tactical jockeys aboard, this race sets up as a strategic battle between proven stakes performers and rising contenders.
Horse-by-Horse Breakdown: Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigree Insights
| No. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Silkstone | Enrique A. Gonzalez | Tim Rycroft | Birdstone × Silkworm | 15/1 |
| 2 | Knowing Glance | Rasheed Hughes | Craig Robert Smith | Jimmy Creed × Noon Time Shower | 20/1 |
| 3 | Maturity Date | Keihton Natera | Carla Christoffersen | Upstart × Sing Lady Sing | 20/1 |
| 4 | Bling Dancer | Brian Boodramsingh | Robert Van Overschot | Too Much Bling × Love This Dance | 5/1 |
| 5 | Avana | Amadeo Perez | Barbara Heads | Vino Rosso × Revealing Moment | 6/5 (Fav) |
| 6 | Air Force | Antonio A. Reyes | Keith Pedersen | Counterforce × Everythings a Blur | 8/1 |
| 7 | Big Hug | Jose M. Asencio | Rick Hedge | Mr. Big × Temeeku | 8/5 |
Top Contenders & Betting Angles
Avana – The Class Standout
Trainer: Barbara Heads brings this filly in sharp form, with multiple stakes placings and a strong win over similar company.
Pedigree: By Vino Rosso, a Breeders’ Cup Classic winner known for stamina and late acceleration.
Jockey: Amadeo Perez returns after guiding her to victory last out.
Betting Insight: High weight (126 lbs) signals respect. Strong win candidate with tactical versatility.
Big Hug – The Weight Carrier
Trainer: Rick Hedge has this mare dialed in, with consistent form and a gritty running style.
Pedigree: By Mr. Big, known for producing durable, late-running fillies.
Jockey: Jose Asencio takes the reins at a hefty 127 lbs.
Betting Insight: Could grind down the leaders late. Ideal for exacta and trifecta builds.
Bling Dancer – The Value Play
Trainer: Robert Van Overschot sends out a filly with sharp speed figures and stakes experience.
Pedigree: Too Much Bling progeny often excel in middle-distance dirt races.
Form: Tactical speed and solid recent efforts make her a live threat.
Betting Insight: Offers value at 5/1. Dangerous if pace softens.
Longshots with Upside
Silkstone: Birdstone filly with pedigree stamina; needs pace to close into.
Knowing Glance: Veteran mare with flashes of form; best used underneath.
Maturity Date: Blinkers off; could improve with equipment change.
Air Force: Counterforce mare with solid allowance form; could hit the board.
Expect a tactical duel between Avana and Big Hug, with Bling Dancer poised to capitalize if the pace falters. Bettors should monitor track bias and late odds shifts, especially with high weights in play.
