Canmor has big shot in both stakes

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Canmor Farms has a good chance of winning both of the stakes races for 2-year-olds at Hastings on Saturday. Notis Otis, who is trained by Tracy McCarthy, looks like a standout in the four-horse Ladnesian Stakes, and Montero, trained by Steve Henson, figures to be first or second choice in the Timber Music Stakes, which is for fillies. Both races are at 6 1/2 furlongs and are worth $40,000.

Notis Otis is the lone winner in the Ladnesian, having easily defeated subsequent winner Honky Tonk Pat on the 3 1/2-furlong Nursery Course May 22. His five-furlong work in 59.60 seconds July 4 stamps him as the one to beat. Notis Otis will be ridden by Chris Loseth, who is the husband of McCarthy.

With nine horses entered, the Timber Music is more of a race. Henson said that Montero was coming up to the race in excellent shape, but he's concerned about facing Slewpast, who is trained by Robbie Anderson. Slewpast drew post 9.

"I like my filly," said Henson. "She drew the rail and she's been around two turns, which should give her an edge over Slewpast. But that's a pretty nice filly Robbie has and it should be a great race."

Montero has started twice, finishing second going 3 1/2 furlongs and then winning a six-furlong maiden special weight race June 26. She will also be ridden by Loseth.

Mandi Tambi couldn't handle Slewpast in her debut but came back with a sharp win over $15,000 maidens July 4. She worked a strong five furlongs July 12 and her trainer, Jim Brown, has done well with babies in the past.