Canterbury: Busy day for Van Winkle

On a day when he is scheduled to be inducted into the Canterbury Park Hall of Fame, trainer David Van Winkle can be forgiven if he doesn't keep his mind on the proceedings. Later that day, Van Winkle will saddle probable favorite Katy Smiles in the $40,000 Dean Kutz Stakes at Canterbury Park.

A winner of five of seven starts at Canterbury Park, Katy Smiles has blossomed since being acquired privately by owner Richard Galyen after she won her maiden here in 2004. After knocking off her conditions during the 2005 Canterbury racing meet, Katy Smiles won her first stakes in last year's renewal of the Kutz Stakes, leading at every call in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint. Katy Smiles returned even stronger this season at 4, finishing second by a neck to Muir Beach in the Cactus Flower Handicap at Turf Paradise and then posting a 2 1/4-length win in the Hoist Her Flag Stakes at Canterbury, running six furlongs in 1:08. A tough trip from the rail compromised Katy Smiles's chances in her most recent start, a third in the Saylorville Stakes at Prairie Meadows. Katy Smiles is the probable pacesetter in the Kutz and will be ridden by Juan Rivera.

Dimple Pinch poses a serious threat to Katy Smiles in the Kutz. A winner of two starts this season, both against allowance company, Dimple Pinch finished fourth by 1 3/4 lengths in her most recent start, the Grade 3 Chicago Breeders' Cup Handicap at Arlington on June 17. Trainer Mac Robertson has named Derek Bell on Dimple Pinch.

Trainer Ruth Cook is enjoying a dream season at Canterbury Park after capturing the Claiming Crown Tiara with outsider Tens Holy Spirit. Tried against Katy Smiles in the Hoist Her Flag, Tens Holy Spirit finished sixth, beaten 12 1/4 lengths, but had an excuse, since she was bumped soundly at the start. Paul Nolan has the return call.