Just how good is Heliskier? We could find out in Saturday’s seventh race, the $50,000 10,000 Lakes Stakes, perhaps his toughest test ever. Heliskier is trained by Canterbury’s perennial leading conditioner Mac Robertson.
As a two year old, Heliskier broke his maiden in hand and galloped on the Northern Lights Futurity field, winning by 10 lengths. The following summer the Minnesota-bred gelding became Canterbury’s Horse of the Year in 2012 by impressively winning all four of his starts. In his last out in the Minnesota Derby, Heliskier handily drew off from the others by 13 lengths.
In all but one of his starts, Heliskier has been the heavy favorite and is 6/5 in the morning line for the upcoming race. In fact, he was so dominant in his past races that a west coast gambler was compelled to bet $200,000 to win.
Will Sugar Business go back to his front running style to battle for the lead with Heliskier or will Freedom First be the late closer to pull an upset? The 10,000 Lakes Stakes has drawn a field of nine promising Minnesota breds to go the 6 furlongs alongside Heliskier but each one will be looking to run down the favorite.
With connections like Robertson and Derek Bell aboard, it is hard to go against Heliskier. Undefeated and looking to show Canterbury his true potential Heliskier will no doubt turn heads this Saturday.
Here’s Heliskier winning last year’s Victor Myers Stakes (start at the 2:45 mark):
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkI6RoVr4w4]
Photo: Coady Photography
