'Remie' looking for repeat in mile stakes

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Remiewaterbluz defends her title against nine fillies and mares in Thursday's $40,000 Canada Day Stakes over one mile.

Remiewaterbluz has been favored in all three of her starts here this year. Trained by Clayton Gray, Remiewaterbluz finished second and third in two allowances races before winning the La Verendrye Stakes on June 13. Paul Leacock retains the mount from post 6.

Among the challengers, Pete's Surprise won two restricted stakes last year at Thursday's distance. Trained by Jack Robertson, Pete's Surprise finished fourth, 5 1/2 lengths behind Remie-waterbluz, in the La Verendrye. Pete's Surprise, a daughter of Peteski, will start from post 5 with Ken Hendricks in the irons.

Beausox won the Jack Hardy Stakes and Assiniboia Oaks here as a 3-year-old in 2002 but has failed to win since. Trained by Dennis Harrisko, Beausox has been well beaten by Remie-waterbluz in all three of her starts this year. She begins from post 7 with Jason Leacock aboard.

I B Right Back lives up to her name as she returns on five days' rest after just missing in an optional claimer. A daughter of Cee's Tizzy, I B Right Back has won three of six starts at one mile. Trained by Valorie Lund, I B Right Back breaks from post 4 with Travis Hightower up.

I B Right Back should battle for the early lead in the Canada Day along with Ally Scats (post 2, Beth Butler); Ocean Effect (post 3, Jerry Pruitt); and Dodge City Girl (post 8, Tim Matteucci).

Maui Money (post 1, Larren Delorme) and Callies Remark (post 9, Vince Guerra) complete the field.

Coal Smudge takes Manitoba

On Saturday, Coal Smudge continued his dominance over Manitoba-bred 3-year-olds when he won the $40,000 Manitoba Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths over favorite Stonewall Harris. Shrike One was third.

Trained by Caesar DeMarni and ridden by Jason Leacock, Coal Smudge returned $6.60 to win. The $24,000 winner's share increased his lifetime earning to $95,756.

Coal Smudge covered the mile in 1:41.60.