Iowa invaders top stakes

The twin features here are $45,000 divisions of the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association Stallion Auction Stakes - the Laddie and the Lassie. The 6 1/2-furlong races are open to the 3-year-old progeny of sires whose services were sold at the 2002 MTA Stallion Auction.

In the Lassie Stakes, Iowa-bred invader Beyond the Reach may be favored when he takes on eight Minnesota-bred fillies and the Illinois-bred Ekanta. A pace-pressing type, Beyond the Reach won her maiden at Prairie Meadows in May and has worked her way through her conditions, winning an open-company optional claiming event in her last start. Carlos Montalvo has the call for trainer Jeff Barkley.

Thanks for the Tip figures prominently in the pace scenario. A daylight winner the first two times she raced at Canterbury, Thanks for the Tip disputed the pace in the Frances Genter Stakes and finished second to the subsequent Minnesota Oaks winner Run With Joy. Trainer Mac Robertson has named Dean Butler to ride.

Robertson also starts Seasahm as part of an uncoupled entry. Seasahm would benefit if a rapid early pace develops.

Sucara has steadily improved in five starts over the summer and finished second in the Minnesota Oaks in her last start, just edging Seasahm for second.

In the Laddie Stakes, another Iowa invader looms as the favorite when Ghazi Up takes on seven Minnesota-bred colts and geldings. A winner of the Iowa Stallion Stakes in July, Ghazi Up returned with a strong effort to finish second in the Iowa Breeders Derby last month. Trainer Gary Paulson has given the mount to Paul Nolan.

Bee O Bee Bob began the season at Oaklawn and has suffered several eventful trips since shipping to Canterbury Park. The Laddie will be the first start at 6 1/2 furlongs for Bee O Bee Bob, which should give him ample opportunity to make use of his steady late run. Trainer Mac Robertson has named Tanner Riggs to ride.

Robertson also saddles Dakota Hills as part of an uncoupled entry. A son of Tahkodha Hills, Dakota Hills put in a professional effort as the even-money favorite to win a statebred allowance contest in his last start.