MARYJEAN is the morning line favorite as well as being selected by the program as the possible winner in her final Canterbury race. She drew Post Position 1 in the six furlong dash, race 6 on the card. Here is the rundown:

1. MARYJEAN (BRINSON/CANCHARI)

2. CRIMINAL ELEGANCE (Turco/Escobar) – Deep closer hasn’t run in a non-conditioned race since last year at Hawthorne, where she struggled.

3. CASSIDILLY (Bera/Escobar) – Once upon a time there was a saying that you “just don’t beat Cassidilly”. That was a while ago. She was claimed after a layoff and while she’s hit the board after the claim, she hasn’t won yet. She’ll also try and come from off the pace.

4. SHIMAI (Hawley/Shino) – A stalker who tried the turf last out was in a race with our girl in MJ’s last race and, while we beat her, neither of us was very impressive.

5. JUST HAVE’N FUN (Wolochuk/Eikleberry) – Finally a bit of speed to run at and, thankfully, she’s not the only one. Remains at this level and though she faltered a bit last time, she could still be dangerous.

6. CHUMASH (Rarick/P. Canchari) – Hasn’t been the same horse for the new barn, but Rarick is a veteran and that won’t last. Back on the dirt at a distance and condition where she last ran, she’ll try and get a stalking trip under Alex’s brother Patrick.

7. TANABATA (Hawley/Carenno) – Speedster should help his stablemate but should also help us as well by helping to push along the other speed.

8. INFORMAL FANNIE (Bethke/Bell) – More speed on the outside who threw in a real clunker last out. If she can get out and push along the speed to her inside, it should set up nicely for whoever can get a good run at the leaders.

It does look as though we stand a pretty good shot in here as long as her last was just an aberration and not a pattern. One thing that works in our favor is that before that race she only had 16 days off in between and she seems to do her best running with a bit more rest and she had it going into here.

The speed will clear out outside of her and, with the rail and a decent break, we should be able to save ground while sitting 4th or 5th. I think the key will be if Alex has a straight shot at the tiring frontrunners. If we have a clear path – either outside but most likely up the rail – we could be very dangerous in here.

I don’t know if we have a spot in Silks, I would assume we do but I will make sure tomorrow and post separately.

It’s Group 3 in the paddock and Jeff and Michelle will be there for you all. I’m guessing that I’ll be watching on the side of the road somewhere in Iowa.

Good luck!