Tanika dominates Matron

Northlands Park invader, Tanika was able to get the best of last year’s winner Polynesian Kitty and the rest of the field in the $75,000 Matron Stakes. 

Tanika, trained by Barry Brown, sat mid pack down the backstretch just in behind the early leaders Britannia Road and Polynesian Kitty.  Moving along the rail, the 4-year-old daughter of Orientate took advantage of the hole left by Britannia Road turning for home.

“I didn’t believe it would be that easy,” said rider Stephen Heiler, who flew in to ride the winner, “I had a ton of horse when the rail opened up and she did her thing.”

Owners Calmar Stables and Ranch came to Assiniboia Downs in 1995 with their filly Raylene and won the Matron and now they return to repeat.

Britannia Road, trained by Carl Anderson, put up a courageous battle throughout, first with Polynesian Kitty on the backstretch and then her attempt to hold off the winner at the top of stretch.

Fast Actress sat mid pack early and moved up through the field along the rail.  Trained by Bert Blake, Fast Actress was able to use the rail mostof the way and rallied for third.

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