Monashee goes after 8th straight

EDMONTON, Alberta - Monashee ships in from Hastings in search of her eighth straight stakes victory in Friday's $50,000 Madamoiselle here at Northlands Park. Monashee is co-topweighted at 124 pounds with She's Italian under the allowance conditions of the 1 1/16-mile Madamoiselle, which drew a field of seven fillies and mares.

Her connections opted for this spot after declining the 130-pound assignment in last Monday's British Columbia Cup Distaff and also are looking at the Aug. 25 City of Edmonton Distaff, a race Monashee captured with ease here last year.

A 5-year-old, Monashee drew post 4, and regular rider David Wilson will fly in from Vancouver. Her stalking style fits well in this race, with Southern California transplant Tight Circle the likely pacesetter from the outside post with Quincy Welch up.

She's Italian also runs her best races from just off the pace. She's Italian was upset by Banjo Babe in the one-mile John Patrick here July 15 after prompting rapid early fractions. She drew post 6 with Jake Barton back aboard.

Banjo Babe enjoyed a perfect trip in the John Patrick. She drew post 3 with Stephan Heiler retaining the call from trainer Don Gilkyson.

* Gilkyson sent out Laketon ($48.10) to win the Sun Sprint here Monday under Perry Winters. A day earlier, Just Call Me Duke ($9.10) led every step of the way under Jake Barton to upset Brazen Son in the Birdcatcher.

Footprint ($5.90) dominated the Count Lathum last Saturday with Real Simard up to assume the position of leading local contender for the Aug. 25 Canadian Derby. Littlemiss Allison ($2.90) won the Bird of Pay last Friday under Rickey Walcott to remain undefeated in three starts.