Just for Keeps a threat to wire

SHAKOPEE, Minn. - As if putting an exclamation point on the day's Claiming Crown card, 14 fillies and mares will line up to contest one of the deepest runnings of the $100,000 Lady Canterbury in recent memory.

Just for Keeps, who has sprinted in all six of her starts this year, is a gate-to-wire threat here as she stretches out in the Lady Canterbury, a mile turf race. Trainer Mike Maker claimed Just for Keeps at the 2007 Keeneland fall meeting and has watched the filly progress to stakes company, including a win on Kentucky Derby weekend in the Mamzelle Stakes at Churchill.

"After we claimed her last fall, we ran her a couple times around two turns at Churchill, and she ran real well," Maker said. "Obviously this is the first time for her going back to the two turns since then, and I don't know how the 12-hole will play for her, but if she runs back to some of her better races, she ought to be competitive against those horses Saturday."

Miguel Mena will ride.

Lemonlime drew the rail and sports a perfect 2-for-2 record over the local course. Lemonlime won the Northbound Pride Stakes here last year and returned this June to win the HBPA Mile Stakes. Tried next in the Grade 3 Locust Grove Stakes at Churchill Downs, Lemonlime finished 10th. She has since worked sharply over the Arlington Polytrack. Jockey Joel Rosario, in town for the Claiming Crown, has the assignment for trainer Tony Granitz. Lemonlime is cross-entered in the $100,000 Senate President's Stakes at Mountaineer on Saturday.

Tears I Cry will be among the favorites in the Lady Canterbury based on her form in graded stakes company. A 4-year old daughter of Chester House, Tears I Cry scored her first stakes win in April when she won the Irving Distaff at Lone Star. Tried next in the Grade 3 Ouija Board Handicap, the Cody Autrey trainee was caught in the final sixteenth after forcing the pace. In her most recent outing, Tears I Cry finished sixth in the Locust Grove. Corey Lanerie has the call.

Trainer Mac Robertson entered Angel Smoke, an off-the-pace type who should benefit from the rapid tempo that appears to be shaping up in the Lady Canterbury. Derek Bell has the call.

Trainer Richie Scherer, who trained the 2006 Lady Canterbury winner Radiant Avie, ships in Shares Perfection, who has won two consecutive starts over the Arlington turf. Eddie Razo will ride.