Cactus Kris Faces Familiar Rivals at Woodbine

Anne Walsh's Cactus Kris will look to win her second straight graded victory over the Woodbine synthetic track Nov. 15 in the $200,000 Bessarabian Stakes (Can-III), but will have to defeat a pair of rivals who have defeated her in the past.



Last time out Oct. 18, the 4-year-old Cactus Ridge filly trained by Ryan Walsh closed gamely from eighth to win the Ontario Fashion Stakes (Can-III), her first graded score.



LEWYN: Cactus Kris Last to First in Ontario Fashion



But two fellow Bessarabian runners already have recent experience besting Cactus Kris.



Haras de Saint Pair and Monceaux Stable's Marbre Rose defeated Cactus Kris by 1 3/4 lengths in the Aug. 8 Seaway Stakes (Can-III), before the Christophe Clement filly finished sixth in the Noble Damsel (gr. IIIT) last time out.



LEWYN: Marbre Rose Prevails in Tight Seaway Finish



Diane Manning's Miss Mischief also got the best of Cactus Kris, by 1 1/2 lengths, in the Oct. 6 H.B.P.A. Stakes at Presque Isle Downs.



Endless Light is another familiar rival in the field, finishing a neck back in the Ontario Fashion and a nose back in the Seaway.



Ivan Dalos' undefeated Elusive Collection is another intriguing contender in the field, coming off a neck score in the Etobicoke Stakes Sept. 6 in only the second start of her career. The Elusive Quality   filly is the only 3-year-old in the field.