Manitoba-breds get their day in the sun

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Four stakes for Manitoba-breds will be run Monday at Assiniboia Downs, each with a purse of $27,500. They are the Agassiz, Distaff, and two divisions of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Sales Stakes.

Trainer Harry Kube sends out half the entrants in an eight-horse field in the one-mile Agassiz, including the horse to beat, Gus Again.

Gus Again suffered his first loss in five starts this year last time out, finishing fourth in the Wheat City behind Kalfaari, Crooner Slew, and Smoky Cinder.

Gus Again will be coupled with Sovereignadversary. Kube also trains Circulating Touch and Kody Karumba, who make up another entry. Also in the field are last year's Agassiz winner Silicon Chip, Certified Coin, Princely Bu, and Concorde Illusion.

Although she has failed to win in four starts this year, Dawn of Forever is the dominant speed in the one-mile Distaff for older fillies and mares. She is trained by Fred Rawson and will be ridden by Alan Cuthbertson.

Crown and Glory heads the colts and geldings division of the six-furlong Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Sales for 2-year-olds.

The lone winner in the field, Crown and Glory took the restricted Frank Arnanson Sire Stakes in his only start June 24. Rohan Singh has the mount.

What Four will be favored in the fillies division of the CTHS Sales Stakes, also contested at six furlongs.

What Four, who will be ridden by Tim Gardiner, beat a maiden special weight field in her most recent race, the third of her career. In her first start, she finished second behind Crown and Glory in the Frank Arnanson.

This year's CTHS Manitoba yearling sale will be held in the Assiniboia Downs grandstand on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.