Canterbury: Heliskier imposing favorite in MTA Laddie

Sensational Minnesota-bred Heliskier is the 1-5 favorite in the $35,000 Minnesota Thoroughbred Association Laddie Stakes at Canterbury on Sunday.

The MTA Laddie and Lassie stakes are for 3 year olds who are progeny of stallions sold at the MTA stallion auction in 2007. Both divisions will be contested at 6 1/2 furlongs over the main track.

The undefeated Heliskier has been very impressive in every start of his career, drawing comparisons to the greatest Minnesota-bred sprinter of all time, Crocrock. With a last race 84 Beyer Speed Figure more than 30 points higher than any of the four challengers in the field and possessed of considerable early speed, Heliskier looks to be the dominant force in the Laddie division.

The 3-year old filly contingent is a bit more balanced but does feature even-money morning line favorite Keewatin Ice.
Although Keewatin Ice features superior speed figures, she has not won since her Northern Lights Debutante win as a 2-year-old. This year, she has two third-place finishes in the Instant Racing and Frances Genter Stakes sandwiching a troubled fifth in the Panthers at Prairie Meadows.