She's Italian would like a fast track

CALGARY, Alberta - She's Italian is seeking her sixth consecutive victory in the 1 1/16-mile Duchess of York here at Stampede Park on Saturday afternoon.

Trained by Doug MacDonald, She's Italian will face seven other fillies and mares in the $50,000 Duchess of York, which offers an additional $23,000 in Alberta-bred bonus money.

She's Italian had her connections anxiously scanning the extended weather forecast at entry time Wednesday morning. A record rainfall on Tuesday caused flooding throughout Calgary, and her connections have shown they prefer not to run her over an off track. She's Italian was scratched before the Ken Pearson Memorial, contested over a sloppy track on May 21.

She's Italian worked six furlongs here last weekend, but comes into the Duchess of York without benefit of a route race under her belt.

Braetta, who is co-topweighted at 121 pounds with She's Italian, was an eight-length winner of the Pearson Memorial over footing she relishes.

Her stablemate Banjo Babe was third that day, giving way in deep stretch to Mia Cat Dancer, another superior off-track performer who is returning here.

Banjo Babe, like She's Italian, prefers a fast track. But both are expected to stay in the race on Saturday barring another deluge.

Tartan Star also returns Saturday after scratching out of the Pearson Memorial. She won the Pearson prep over a fast strip.