'Wa Wa' has speed, needs wind

SHAKOPEE, Minn. - The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association's Stallion Auction Lassie and Laddie stakes - for progeny of stallions whose service was auctioned at the MTA stallion auction of 2000 - are the featured races on Saturday at Canterbury Park.

The $40,000 Lassie Stakes has attracted 10 3-year-old fillies, including Wa Wa Windy, winner of last year's Northern Lights Debutante Stakes. Trained by Mike Biehler, Wa Wa Windy has a quick turn of foot but will be challenged at the 6 1/2-furlong distance of the Lassie. Mike Ziegler will ride.

Slew Drops was foaled in Kentucky and sold at Keeneland as a yearling but still qualifies for the Lassie. Campaigned at Prairie Meadows, Slew Drops won her maiden in May and makes her first start at Canterbury.

Canterbury Park co-owner Dale Schenian is represented in the Lassie by an uncoupled entry of Wreathaspice and Chance to Bet. Wreathaspice won her last start and rider Seth Martinez stays on. Chance to Bet has won twice at this meeting.

Six 3-year-olds, all foaled in Minnesota, are in the $40,000 Laddie at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Bisquik drew the rail. A maiden winner last year, Bisquik steadily improved in allowance company this summer, then appeared to make a big move forward, finishing second in the Minnesota Derby at 13-1. Bisquik gave a breakthrough performance in his next start, topping statebred allowance foes by 13 lengths. In his last start, Bisquik ran second to Wally's Choice in the Minnesota Classic Champion-ship Stakes. Trainer Perry Wolff has named Jake Olesiak to ride Bisquik.

Roust About appears the strongest threat to Bisquick.

After finishing second in the Northern Lights Futurity last year, Roust About returned with a win in his first start of the meet and then a second in open company. Roust About then finished third in the Victor S. Myers Jr. Stakes and the Minnesota Derby. In his most recent outing, Roust About won an allowance race on Minnesota Festival of Champions Day, closing well in his first try on the grass. Regular rider Scott Stevens will be aboard Roust About.