Canterbury: J.P. Jet vs. Crocrock

SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Six Minnesota-bred colts and geldings will run in the 10,000 Lakes Stakes at Canterbury Park, a six-furlong race for a $35,000 purse that features the return of last year's horse of the meet, J. P. Jet, in a face-off with last year's Minnesota Sprint Championship winner Crocrock.

Owned by Canterbury Park co-owner Dale Schenian, Crocrock was undefeated in three starts against statebred foes last season, including a victory in last year's 10,000 Lakes. A 6-year-old homebred gelding, Crocrock prepped for Saturday's race in a six-furlong allowance at Prairie Meadows last month. Scott Stevens rides Crocrock for trainer Francisco Bravo.

J. P. Jet, owned by Jessica Peltier, was named horse of the meet last season following victories in the Minnesota Derby and Minnesota Classic Championship. J. P. Jet's only loss last year came in the 10,000 Lakes, when he finished fourth. Now a 4-year-old, J. P. Jet prepped for the Canterbury meeting at Turf Paradise and is reunited with rider Derek Bell.

Ashar has finished a close second in two previous runnings of the 10,000 Lakes and would benefit if a protracted pace duel develops between the top contenders. Tushar looms an upset possibility in what will be his 2003 debut, following an eight-month break from the races and recent workouts that suggest he could return at his best form.