Scheduled Post Time 5:24 PM MDT
Race Conditions:
• 1 Mile
• Dirt
• 3‑Year‑Old Colts & Geldings
• $75,000 Stakes Purse
The Count Latham Stakes is one of Century Mile’s premier sophomore male events, traditionally producing Alberta’s top 3‑year‑old colts. The one‑mile configuration on Century Mile’s long, sweeping oval rewards tactical speed, stamina, and sustained late kicks, and this year’s field is deep with several legitimate stakes‑quality runners.
Venue: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino — Edmonton, AB
Location: 4711 Airport Road, Edmonton International Airport
Track Type: One‑mile dirt oval
Configuration:
Long backstretch
Wide, sweeping turns
Long home stretch ideal for closers
Track Bias:
Neutral, slightly favoring pressers and stalkers
Speed can hold, but late runners thrive in stakes company
Weather Forecast
Temperature: 78–80°F
Humidity: 40%
Wind: 10–13 mph from the west
Conditions: Sunny, fast track expected
Impact:
Perfect dirt racing conditions
Stamina colts gain advantage
No moisture expected to alter track bias
Field Analysis — Count Latham Stakes (Race 9)
(Morning‑line odds are projections based on typical Century Mile stakes pricing.)
Post 1 — Northern Outlaw
ML Odds: 7‑2 Trainer: Tim Rycroft Jockey: Rico Walcott
Recent Finishes:
1st — Allowance (Century Mile, 1m, fast)
2nd — Western Canada Handicap (7f)
3rd — Maiden (Century Mile)
Analysis:
A rail‑draw colt with tactical speed and proven mile stamina. Outlaw’s allowance win was strong, rating comfortably before drawing off late. Walcott is Century Mile’s most reliable stakes rider and excels at saving ground.
Strengths:
Rail draw ideal for his style
Strong stamina profile
Trainer excels with Alberta‑bred colts
Concerns:
Must avoid getting pinned inside
Vulnerable if pace gets too hot early
Post 2 — Prairie Thunderbolt
ML Odds: 6‑1 Trainer: Robertino Diodoro Jockey: Justin Stein
Recent Finishes:
1st — Maiden (Century Mile, 6f)
3rd — Allowance (Century Mile, 1m)
4th — Allowance (Assiniboia Downs)
Analysis:
A lightly raced colt with upside. Thunderbolt has a strong turn of foot but can be pace‑dependent. Stein is excellent at timing late runs and will likely drop back early and make one sustained move.
Strengths:
Excellent late kick
Improving with each start
Trainer excels with developing colts
Concerns:
Needs pace to run at
Still learning positioning
Post 3 — Alberta Warrior
ML Odds: 5‑2 (Favorite) Trainer: Craig Smith Jockey: Enrique Gonzalez
Recent Finishes:
1st — Western Canada Handicap (7f)
1st — Allowance (Century Mile, 1m)
2nd — Chariot Chaser Prep (6f)
Analysis:
The class of the field. Warrior owns the best speed figures and has already beaten several rivals. Gonzalez fits him perfectly, allowing him to stalk and pounce. His Western Canada Handicap win was visually impressive, drawing off by 2 lengths.
Strengths:
Best class and speed figures
Proven stakes winner
Ideal running style for Century Mile
Concerns:
Will be heavily bet
Must avoid traffic in mid‑pack
Post 4 — Western Renegade
ML Odds: 10‑1 Trainer: Shelley Brown Jockey: Adrian Ramos
Recent Finishes:
4th — Allowance (Century Mile, 1m)
5th — Western Canada Handicap
1st — Maiden (Century Mile)
Analysis:
A grinding type who prefers long, sustained runs rather than quick bursts. Renegade is a one‑paced colt who needs a hot early tempo to set up his late kick. Ramos is patient and will try to save ground.
Strengths:
Strong stamina
Runs evenly every time
Could benefit from pace meltdown
Concerns:
Lacks acceleration
Needs perfect setup
Post 5 — Edmonton Express
ML Odds: 4‑1 Trainer: Amber Morden Jockey: Trevor Simpson
Recent Finishes:
2nd — Allowance (Century Mile, 1m)
1st — Maiden (Century Mile, 6f)
3rd — Maiden (Century Mile)
Analysis:
A rapidly improving colt with tactical speed. Express nearly wired an allowance field last out but tired late. Simpson is aggressive and may send hard from the outside. If he clears, he becomes dangerous.
Strengths:
Strong early speed
Improving with experience
Outside post allows clean run
Concerns:
Distance may push his limits
Vulnerable to late pressure
Post 6 — Maple Leaf Maverick
ML Odds: 12‑1 Trainer: Jim Brown Jockey: Scott Williams
Recent Finishes:
3rd — Maiden (Century Mile, 1m)
4th — Maiden (Century Mile, 6f)
5th — Maiden (Century Mile)
Analysis:
A longshot with modest figures but improving form. Maverick has shown better tactical positioning recently. Williams is a capable rider who will try to work out a mid‑pack trip.
Strengths:
Improving slowly
Can sit mid‑pack
Outsider with upset potential
Concerns:
Lacks stakes experience
Needs major jump in speed
Pace Projection
Early Speed: Edmonton Express
Pressers: Northern Outlaw, Alberta Warrior
Closers: Prairie Thunderbolt, Western Renegade, Maple Leaf Maverick
Expect a moderate pace, with Express trying to clear and Outlaw pressing. Warrior sits the perfect trip.
