• Tying up, the most common muscle problem in horses has also been called azoturia, paralytic myoglobinuria and chronic exertional rhabdomyolysis. Clinical signs include sweating, stiffness and reluctance to move forward.

Friday

The Kelly Hoerdt barn remained hot on Friday night as River Lass and Dees Promise were back down in front posing for winner's circle pictures. Dees Promise, still racing for the $10,000 tag, would take over just before turn number two and go on to win in 1:56.2 - the fastest mile of the weekend - with Jeff 'Boomer' Stone aboard.

Stone would come right back in the next race with River Lass, for owners Blair Corbeil and Hoerdt, picking up her third straight victory at the top class level for mares. Time of the mile was 1:56.3 - Shoplifter Hanover would finish second while the big mare Weareverigo would nab third.

Trainers Joe Ratchford (Outlaw I See Red, Kg Star) and Rick Schneider (Just Neil, Messina) would also pick up doubles on the night, while pilot Brent Grundy (Outlaw I See Red, Messina) would score for the deuce as well.

Saturday

Tight win photos were the name of the game on Saturday night. Whos In The Hat would come out on top in a three-way win photo over second place dead-heaters Impish Lass and Shynaway. Owned by Gusher Stable and trained by Dan Sifert, James Jungquist would guide the daughter of Whosurboy to her maiden win.

Top Flite Justice (Stone) would be the highest priced winner on the weekend at $34.50 on the nose. He would use that nose to just nip Best Out West, at the 4K claiming level, for owners Rick Schneider, David Birkenhagen and the Outback Stable.

Timberline Court would come out on top in his win photo over a fast closing Neal Diamonique in top class action for the boys. Shared in ownership by Lynn Kowalevsky and trainer/driver Gerry Hudon the slick-gaited son of With Held would stop the timer in 1:57 flat to score as the third choice on the tote board. Cardiff Hanover would finish six lengths back in third.

It would be the driving double again on Saturday night for Jeff 'Boomer' Stone (Allbouttaj, Top Flite Justice). Stone now sits second in the driver standings for 2012 with ten wins - one behind Hudon who's at the top with eleven. Brent Grundy is third with eight.

Gerry Hudon also tops the trainer standings with eight wins, followed by Kelly Hoerdt with seven, while Joe Ratchford completes the top three with six victories.

This weekend

Live racing continues this weekend with Friday and Saturday evening starts times at 6 pm. Our own Chris Roberts will call the action as I take flight for Ontario to co-host the O'Brien Awards, with WEG's Ken Middleton, this Saturday night. Roberts has actually co-hosted the O'Brien's himself and he tells me I'm in for a great time. No doubt...  

ASHA Bullets

• The '2012 Stallion and Stake Book' will be available in February. Click here for a look at the stallions registered for the 2012 breeding season.
• ASHA Awards taking place Saturday, February 4th, at Northlands. Tickets still available at ASHA or Shelly Gray on race nights at Northlands race office.