Only one can touch Bears Artiste

EDMONTON, Alberta - Bears Artiste is by far the most accomplished 3-year-old filly in a modest renewal of the Filly Sales Stakes on Friday at Northlands Park, and she will be heavily favored over six rivals in the one-mile feature.

Trainer Dale Greenwood has had this race circled on his calendar for weeks, and Bears Artiste comes into the $50,000 Sales Stakes as a fresh horse, with just two starts at the meet.

Her decisive allowance score on July 23 and three strong works since have Bears Artiste poised to tally at short odds.

Spicy Candy is the lone foe with stakes experience and appears the only threat to derail Bears Artiste.

* Juveniles held the spotlight last weekend with Quiet Approach ($22.60) upsetting the one-mile Canadian Juvenile on Labor Day and Dandy Dora ($2.30) winning as the favorite in last Friday's Freedom of the City.

Rock Creek Bobby, the 3-5 choice in the field of five colts and geldings for the Canadian Juvenile, and It's Good to Be Me engaged in a spirited battle for the early lead. Jockey Jake Barton allowed Quiet Approach to settle into stride well behind the action up front and was able to split horses turning for home to post a 1 3/4-length victory over It's Good to Be Me.

Dandy Dora ($2.30) clinched a title in the 2-year-old filly division by breaking very sharply and leading every step of the one-mile Freedom of the City.