Canterbury: Al's back quickly

SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Al's Dearly Bred, who won an optional claiming race here last Sunday, returns on short rest in Saturday's $40,000 Brooks Fields Stakes. The 7 1/2-furlong turf race, named for Canterbury's founder, has attracted a field of 11.

Al's Dearly Bred, who is trained by Hugh Robertson for owner John Castro, easily bested seven other runners last week in his first start following a seven-month layoff. Now undefeated in two starts at Canterbury Park, Al's Dearly Bred's first local victory came in the Claiming Crown Emerald last August. Seth Martinez is Al's Dearly Bred's regular rider, and he will be aboard Saturday.

The new gun in the Brooks Fields is Chicago shipper Promise of War, trained by Pat Cuccurullo, who beat Al's Dearly Bred when he captured the Tri-State Handicap at Ellis Park last September. In his first race since November, Promise of War finished sixth in the five-furlong Glassy Dip Stakes at Hawthorne two weeks ago. Derek Bell is named to ride.

Big Daddy Tee might be the pacesetter in the Brooks Fields. He advanced through his conditions in sprints at Oaklawn Park and Prairie Meadows this year. Rob Williams rides Big Daddy Tee for owner-trainer Lynn Chleborad.

Trinity River has won three of seven starts on the grass and has a midpack style that could prove effective in this race. A winner of two straight at Sportsman's Park this spring, Trinity River has been training forwardly at Prairie Meadows, where he finished seventh in the Bob Feller Stakes in his last start.

One runner who may be overlooked is Our Best Man, who finished fourth in last year's Brooks Fields. Our Best Man exits a second-place finish to stakes winner Minor Wisdom in a turf allowance here Memorial Day.