The Club is looking to add an third day of fireworks to Canterbury’s schedule sending Laura Ray out Saturday to face five foes in the 3rd race.

The race is a $7500 claiming race going about a mile and 70 yards over the turf course with Orlando Mojica aboard.  We drew the outside in the six horse field.  Part of the field is the Paul Allen/Mike Zimmer partnership horse, Jeana Baby, which should make for an even more fun day.  We wish them a safe trip and the best of luck, though we’d still like to beat them all to the winners’ circle and get the Club home for the second race in a row.

While Group 1 is in the paddock, I would also invite those individuals in Group 3 who were at the track, saw the tweet that there wouldn’t be a paddock and missed it when the rain suddenly stopped and we actually DID have a trip to the paddock before the race to join us as well since you missed your turn.

When know that the Club will have a spot but we’re not quite sure where so make sure and check the signs welcoming the various groups to Canterbury when you come in if you choose to utilize our spot.

Here is the short field in post position order:

Papa’s Isla Doll (Rengstorf/E. Gonzalez) – Should be relatively quick to the lead as a sprinter stretching out.  Her singular turf race was nothing special but it was also against a solid group of state bred turf allowance horses last season.

Lookin Ata Runaway (Rengstorf/Butler) – Will be looking to take advantage of her stablemate’s quick pace to close late to win.  7 1/2 furlongs may be her best distance but that remains to be seen and she’ll be prominent late.

Housemaker (Van Winkle/Loveberry) – First off a long layoff for the Van Winkle barn who has been clicking along at 25% with these types.  She just closed to a nose at Turf Paradise at a mile and the extra 70 yards could be just what she needs.

Jeana Baby (Rhone/Eikleberry) – 1 for 4 over the Canterbury turf, she appreciates being near or on the lead.  She had a tough break last out but don’t count on that happening again.

Ocean Dream (Silva Jr./S. Gonzalez) – Most definitely a late closing type who got her last win in Arizona from way out of the clouds.  She ships from Arizona Downs to Canterbury and joins a barn that is enjoying a great meet.

LAURA RAY (LITFIN/MOJICA)

This is an interesting little race.  Though the field is only six, there is some speed and most definitely some closers.  Added into the mix is that the inner rail is set at 20 feet which makes it a little tougher to swing wide and close strong.  Hopefully the small field will mitigate that disadvantage for us.

Papa’s Isla Doll and Jeana Baby should be prominent early.  While I’m not sure if Doll can get the distance, Jeana Baby should be able to hold her speed longer.  She also should be in a controlling position and have the rail placement to her advantage as well. That doesn’t mean the race is over by any means.

Seven and a half furlongs MAY be the end of Jeana’s range (maybe not) and there will be pressure coming late from not only Laura but Ocean Dream, Lookin Ata Runaway and Housemaker.  It also remains to be seen if Housemaker needs a race before really hitting her stride off the layoff but Van Winkle has proven to be very adept at getting them ready to fire.

At the end of the day much will depend upon how much the early speed wear each other, if at all, and who can close the stoutest.  Laura should really be in the mix late but it may take a photo to sort it all out.

GOOD LUCK!