She's Italian wins big; Lilac next

CALGARY, Alberta - There were no stakes races scheduled here at Stampede Park last weekend, but a stakes contender may have emerged in the form of She's Italian.

Owned by Rocky Mountain Turf Club Stable, She's Italian grabbed the spotlight last Friday night with a visually impressive seven-length score over nine rival 3-year-old fillies in an optional $32,000 claimer. Under Stephan Heiler, She's Italian gained a good striking position behind Power Button coming out of the first turn. When Power Button drifted out down the backstretch, Heiler was able to gain the rail with She's Italian and from that point on there was no question who was in charge.

Heiler, after taking a look back at the eighth pole, had She's Italian on cruise control in the lane and eased up at the wire in running the six furlongs in a quick 1:10.60.

The Lilac, a handicap stakes for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on May 28, is the next likely start for She's Italian, who is trained by Doug MacDonald.

She's Italian ran for a $12,000 tag in her winning debut at Northlands Park last Oct. 5 and for a $25,000 tag twice at this meet. She's Italian earned her promotion to the allowance ranks with a seven-length romp over $25,000 company on April 21. Friday's score raised her earnings at the meet to $29,080.

She's Italian was bred by Max Gibb, one of the principal owners in the Rocky Mountain Turf Club Stable with roots in the Lethbridge "B" circuit track operating under the same name.