Tanika repeats in Matron

Tanika, invading from Alberta, captured the $75,000 Matron for the second consecutive year at Assiniboia Downs on Friday night.

Ridden by Alan Cuthbertson, Tanika stalked the pace while four wide in the field of six before finally catching and drawing away from a stubborn Morsel for a 3 3/4-length victory as the 3-4 choice

Morsel, one of two-3-year-olds in the field, was on the pace throughout and finished 1 1/2 lengths clear of third-place Gameshy in the 1 1/8-mile feature for fillies and mares.

Britannia Road, the second choice off a convincing front-running win in the Matron prep, was unable to shake loose and ended a well-beaten fourth in the sloppy going.

Tanika, a 5-year-old Kentucky-bred owned by Calmar Stables and Ranch and trained by Barry Brown, was winning her ninth career stakes and boosting her bankroll past the $500,000 mark.