Harness News Update: Picks and analysis for Century Downs April 5th

Century Downs is having the first Friday (Apr. 5) card of harness racing at the meet. Seven-dashes on the program with the Pick 5 wager starting in the first race.

To access a free program, click here.

Kevin Hildebrandt has made the full-time move to Alberta. He and his horses have been fitting in well against the new competition. Hildebrandt has three horses drawing in on Friday and they all have a good chance in each of their respective races,

Stylomilhos (Mystery Chase) is coming off a win but has been giving 8-1 morning line odds. She paced the mile in 2:00.3 in less-than-ideal track conditions and had to come from off the pace to win. Hildebrandt believes his ten-year-old mare will stake up nicely against the tough field. 

“She’s one of those mares that always seems to be near the top” said Hildebrandt. “I would bever count her out. She’s one of those horses that never seems to miss a cheque. She’s a great horse to have in your barn.”

STYLOMILHOS REPLAY

This week Stylomilhos will have Brandon Campbell in the bike and will line up in post position three in the very first race.

Another mare of Hildebrandt’s that had a big outing last time out is Skys Little Spunk (Armbro Baylor). The five-year-old mare finished second behind Cora Cora Cora in his last start. The Manitoba-bred mare made a few starts in southern Ontario after she wrapped up the meet at The Loop. Her last win came at the Loop on Sep. 30 and she paced the mile in 2:01.3 and usually paced around that time on half-mile tracks. 

“She great mare” Hildebrandt said. “No matter the track conditions, I know she will get over it. It sounds like the weather might be bad again around Calgary. So if that is the case, that will play to her advantage because she is so big and strong. I think her last start she was in way over her head but the track conditions helped level the playing field.”

SKYS LITTLE SPUNK REPLAY

Skys Little Spunk will look to earn her first win outside of Manitoba in the third race and will have Logan Gillis in the sulky.

The last of Hildebrandt’s horses slated to run on Friday is Ak Eagle (Andreoli Hanover). Hildebrandt admits the four-year-old still needs some work but has been seeing some improvement. 

“Honestly we are trying to get him around the track clean. He’s a project horse. However, to be honest, in his last start he did break right off the gate but after that I did see some improvement in him.”

Hildebrandt will be in the bike himself with Ak Eagle in the fourth race.

My Picks 

Race 1

Stylomilohos (3) was able to come from off the pace and win late last time. Will look to repeat that performance. 

Suellen Hanover (2) got caught last and just missed winning last week. Gets the rail again and should be one of the best.

Cheese Whiz (7) has back-to-back second-place finishes at Century Downs and has recorded sub 2:00 times. Should be in the mix later.

Race 2

Giaonthewalley (3) finished second in 2024 debut in 2:00.3 and has been of the fastest in the field.

Western Drawl (2) qualified in 2:03. She hopefully can shave a few seconds off that and be competitive in this race.

Heart Of Art (1) qualified in 2:03.3 but getting the rail will help her out.

Race 3

Outlawabovenbeyond (6) has the most consistent and fastest mile times in the field. Likes to go to the front but has been able to come off the pace.

Skys Little Spunk (7) had a big performance last week and will likely repeat it. She will follow the favourite right off the gate.

Mcwicked Hurricane (1) qualified in 2:03 but now gets the rail and will look to improve on that time.

Race 4

Woodmere Arthrjane (3) has a win and second-place finish in two starts this year. Should be competitive in this race.

Miss Mooshine (8) got caught late in the last start but has shown the ability to rally late when coming off the pace.

Hard Ticket (5) had the rail last time but finished third. Similar results are incoming this time around.

Race 5

Midnight Mover (5) finished second behind Military Man last time but post-position relief will help.

Military Man (7) likes to go to the front end, but a post position might make that hard. Has won from off the pace before but the front is likely best.

Hf Devan James (4) likes the pocket trip and will fight to get it. Should be able to hold on for the show.

PICK 5

Race 6

Outlaw Allie Oops (6) has finished second place in four straight races. She is due for another win.

If Only Id Known (2) has a win and third in her last two starts.

Goodbye Ceia Later (9) has a big tin last time out in 1:58 but will have to line up in post nine this time. She should still be in the mix.

Race 7

Outlaw Spiced Rum (3) has back-to-back wins and paced the miles in 1:58.4 and 1:56.4. Will be very competitive in this field.

Outlawstormywether (1) was racing well to end 2023 and was finished consistently in the top three. She qualified in 2:00.2 and should be in the mix if she performs similarly.

Century Mach (9) is making her return after being off for almost four months. She was pacing sub-1:57 miles at Century Mile before taking time off. It might take a start to get back to her top form.

The first race kicks off at 4:15 p.m. EST.

For the complete race entries, click here.

by Trey Colbeck, for Harnesslink