Oaks brings new rivals for Tanika

EDMONTON, Alberta With wins in the Chariot Chaser at Northlands and the Lilac at Stampede Park, Tanika has proven to be the best of the local 3-year-old fillies this season. But Tanika faces an arduous task at Northlands Saturday when she faces five invaders in the $100,000 Northlands Oaks at 1 1/16 miles.

Tanika met seven local rivals July 6 in the Chariot Chaser and won the race with such authority that not one of those chose to face her again in the Oaks. The competitive vacuum was promptly filled by a phalanx of fresh rivals from as far away as Woodbine and Prairie Meadows.

Acrosstheborder comes into Saturdays race off of a sixth-place finish in the Grade 3 Iowa Oaks at Prairie Meadows. While it was a lackluster performance, Acrosstheborder still earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 79, the top last-out number in this field. Acrosstheborder has not won a race since March 12 at the Fair Grounds, when she showed tactical speed in a first-level allowance at a mile and 40 yards.

Bear Stable has shipped in Bear Dixiecat and Bear Swan from Woodbine. Bear Dixiecat most recently finished sixth, moved up to fifth on a disqualification, in the Alywow at Woodbine. Prior to the Alywow, Bear Dixiecat won a first-level allowance against fillies and mares May 5.

Bears Swan comes into the Oaks after taking two in a row at 1 1/16 miles at Woodbine.

Calendar Girl, who defeated Tanika in the six-furlong Mount Royal at Stampede Park this spring, returns from Hastings off a second-place finish in the Supernaturel. Zaylaway has been racing at Emerald Downs and comes off back-to-back second-place finishes in stakes.