Minimus figures prominently

EDMONTON, Alberta - Minimus has an excellent chance to win a weak renewal of the $50,000 Filly Sales Stakes for 3-year-olds at Northlands Park on Friday.

Minimus, who drew the rail, is proven at the one-mile distance, with a front-running tally at the distance two starts back in allowance company. She should be on or near the lead.

In her latest, Minimus was in front turning for home and settled for second, a length in front of Sender Smokin, who is back for a rematch.

Leading trainer Red Smith saddles Minimus, and Richard Mangalee, who has been aboard for all three of her wins this year, retains the mount.

Dan Boudreau rides Sender Smokin, who drew post 5 and is eligible to improve in her third start back after a brief respite following a busy spring schedule at Stampede Park.

Desperate Dancer, third in open company going a mile in the Grande Prairie Derby on the "B" circuit in her latest, drew the outside post and will be ridden by Angelle Wilson.

Hail to Dawn and Apilonia both captured stakes here last year but would need a reversal of their recent form to challenge in this spot.

o House Mouse ($20) tracked early leader Native Wrangler through moderate early fractions in Monday's Canadian Juvenile, then took control at the quarter pole and drew off for a 6 1/4- length tally under Stephan Heiler.

House Mouse ran the mile in 1:43 and earned $45,000 for owner Norm Castiglione. He was part of a Monica Russell-trained entry.

Odds-on favorite Just Call Me Duke failed to fire and finished last in the field of seven 2-year-old colts and geldings.