Tanika too good for the locals

EDMONTON, Alberta - Tanika seeks her second stakes win in Friday's Chariot Chaser, a 6 1/2-furlong race here at Northlands Park that attracted eight 3-year-old fillies.

Tanika has never been worse than second in five career outings, with her only losses coming at the hands of shippers Calendar Girl and Forest Huntress in stakes at Stampede Park this spring. There are no invaders in this field and Tanika will likely be favored.

Barry Brown has taken over the training of Tanika from Rod Haynes, who retired at the conclusion of the Stampede Park meet. Tanika was out for a five-furlong work of 1:05.20 on June 27 over this track, which has been deep and tiring through the opening days of the meeting.

Tanika drew the rail and will once again be ridden by Stephan Heiler. Heiler has taken Tanika just off the pace in her past two outings, including a handy score in the one-mile Lilac on May 27. The strategy may be similar on Friday, although Tanika does have enough early foot to be on or near the lead.

Her main rivals include Pleasant Bear, second in the Lilac prior to running poorly in the Penny Ridge over a sloppy course that she was unable to handle. Pleasant Bear will be ridden by Quincy Welch from post 3.

The deep closer in the field is Stone Justice, while Bank Deposit figures to be forwardly placed in the early stages.

* Sin Toro ($12.80) won last Sunday's $50,000 Western Canada, one day after the invader Montero ($13.60) upset the $75,000 Wild Rose while ending the six-race win streak of She's Italian.