All shippers due by Friday for Mile

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - A total of eight shippers from the United States are slated to run in Sunday's Grade 1, $1 million Woodbine Mile.

As of Tuesday the only invader on the grounds was Becrux, last year's Woodbine Mile winner, who arrived a week earlier.

Dead Red was due in from Florida on Wednesday, with Remarkable News, Shakespeare, Art Master, Kip Deville, Host, and Galantas all expected to arrive on Thursday.

Woodbine Mile entrants have to be on the grounds by 11 a.m. on Friday under the terms of the race's surveillance program, which includes drawing blood samples, random spot checks by security, and full surveillance on race day.

Leonnatus Anteas likely for Super Derby

Leonnatus Anteas, the talented locally based 3-year-old who had been under consideration for the Woodbine Mile, is a highly unlikely starter.

Trained by Kevin Attard, Leonnatus Anteas faced older stakes rivals for the first time in the Grade 2 Play the King here Aug. 25 and finished fifth, beaten 3 3/4 lengths by the winner, Le Cinquieme Essai.

"If the Play the King had been a different result, I might be a little more optimistic," said Attard. "It just looks like too salty a group for a 3-year-old."

Leonnatus Anteas is under serious consideration for the Grade 2, $500,000 Super Derby, a 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds at Louisiana Downs on Sept. 22.

Sky Conqueror camp undecided about Mile

Sky Conqueror, trained by Darwin Banach, remained on the fence for the Woodbine Mile as of Tuesday morning.

"He came out of his work really well," said Banach, who sent out Sky Conqueror for a four-furlong drill on the turf here Monday morning. "We'll just wait and see."

Sky Conqueror would be shortening up for the Woodbine Mile after finishing a close third in the Grade 2 Nijinsky at 1 1/2 miles on turf here Aug. 26.

If Sky Conqueror is sent to the Woodbine Mile, Banach will have to shop for a rider.

Edgar Prado, who has ridden Sky Conqueror in his last two starts, is sidelined with a broken ankle, and Todd Kabel, who had been the horse's regular rider locally, has taken the call on Galantas for the Woodbine Mile.

Canadian field taking shape

The fillies Arravale and Essential Edge remain possibilities for the Woodbine Mile but are also nominated to the Grade 2, $300,000 Canadian, a 1 1/8-mile turf race for fillies and mares here Sunday.

The Canadian is expected to attract U.S. shippers Roshani, Meribel, and May Night - all of whom will arrive later this week.

One invader already on the grounds is Green Girl, who has been racing in France for trainer John Hammond.

Green Girl arrived on Saturday with assistant trainer Wilfrid Foissier and went to the track for the first time on Tuesday.

"She's coming along well," said Foissier.