EDMONTON, Alberta - Racing secretary Fred Hilts saved the best race for the finale on Wednesday evening, and the 6 1/2-furlong allowance for 3-year-old fillies drew a competitive field of nine headed by Bears Artiste.
Bears Artiste, owned by Danny Dion's Bear Stable and trained by Dale Greenwood, won the restricted Sturgeon River here last September on Fall Classic Day.
Despite drawing the outside post for the race, which carries a $32,000 claiming option, Bears Artiste is expected to receive plenty of support after testing stakes rivals in her two previous starts.
Broken Hearted takes Oaks
Greenwood saddled another 3-year-old filly for Bear Stables on Saturday and watched Broken Hearted ($12.90) post a half-length victory over Briars Flash in the $50,000 Northlands Oaks.
Dion, who has a large string at Woodbine with trainer Reade Baker, obtained Broken Hearted via a claim last winter at Laurel.
Greenwood haltered the Florida-bred for $25,000 on March 7 and has won two straight with her at this meet. She won the 1 1/16-mile Northlands Oaks under yet another "money ride" from Stephan Heiler.
Despite breaking out from posto6 at the start, Broken Hearted was sent to contest the early lead with heavily favored Lecturing Lynn through a 47.80-second half-mile.
Heiler never asked Broken Hearted in earnest until the final furlong, where she responded to hold Briars Flash safe while drifting out slightly at the wire.