Callendars risks local streak

FORT ERIE, Ontario - Callendars, the lone 3-year-old in a field of seven, is the horse to beat in the $60,000 Golden Horseshoe Stakes on Tuesday at Fort Erie. The seven-furlong turf race is for Canadian-foaled fillies and mares who have started at least twice at the current meeting.

Owned by Laura and Eugene Melnyk, and trained by Phil England, Callendars has shipped here from Woodbine three times. Each time she has gone back a winner. In all three wins she went wire to wire.

In her last start, on July 1, Callendars won the Center Stage Anne Stakes. On Tuesday she will be making her debut on the grass. It will also be the first time she has been asked to race beyond six furlongs.

The main obstacle facing Callendars appears to be the Come by Chance Stable coupling of Bubbi Trap and Soon to be Single. Jim Day is the breeder and trainer of both horses.

"Soon to be Single loves the grass," Day said. "She is fairly aggressive and likes to run in front. The seven furlongs suits her better than the 1 1/16 miles of her last race. It was a little long for her."

The running styles of the speedy Soon to be Single and Bubbi Trap, who likes to come from off the pace, complement each other, Day pointed out.

Both Day runners have won on the grass. Besides winning a maiden race on turf at Woodbine last fall, Bubbi Trap crossed the wire first in the $125,000 Rainbow Connection here July 16. She was disqualified in the five-furlong turf race after it was discovered she carried the incorrect weight. An appeal of that decision will be heard Sept. 4.

Prospective Gal, the winner of the Border Cup on turf here July 21 returns to the grass course after finishing fifth on the dirt in the Lauries Dancer Stakes on Aug. 5.

Completing the field are Bonita Bay, Branksome Hall, and Orientalspringhope.