Can Culpeper Moon win two in a row?

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - After ending a 20-race losing streak in the allowance prep, Culpeper Moon will try and make it two in a row here in Sunday's $45,000 Winnipeg Sun Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

Trained by Martin Drexler, Culpeper Moon scored her last victory prior to the Winnipeg Sun prep in the Zia Distaff at Zia Park in New Mexico in October of 2005. Since then, Culpeper Moon has raced at six different tracks, over dirt, Polytrack, and turf, and tried graded stakes company three times.

Alan Cuthbertson, who rode Culpeper Moon in three starts last fall at Woodbine, takes over from Paul Leacock on Culpeper Moon.

Drexler will also saddle Empress Pegasus, who like Culpeper Moon is owned by Stuart Hyman's Shyman Farm. Empress Pegasus has been off since finishing second, a half-length behind Beshairt, in the one-mile Canada Day Stakes here on July 1.

Empress Pegasus will be ridden for the first time by Chris Husbands, as Leacock, who was aboard for her three starts this year, will ride Victorious Laurie.

Beshairt scored her first stakes win in the Canada Day and then was second behind Culpeper Moon in the Winnipeg Sun prep. Beshairt won her maiden against "B"-level special weight company at Woodbine in her only previous 1 1/16 mile trip. Mark Anderson will ride.

Julie Truly, the only shipper in the field, will make her third start of the year. Owned and trained by Michael Reavis, Julie Truly finished third in the one-mile Golden Sylvia Handicap at Mountaineer in her most recent start June 19. Terry Houghton has been to ride.

Also entered are Daisy Mountain, with Larry Munoz aboard; Gorgeous Mistress, Rohan Singh; Miss Lucky Lou, Renaldo Cumberbatch; and Remiewaterbluz, Ken Hendricks.