Minnesota-bred 3-year-olds are the focus of both the Victor S. Myers Jr. and Frances Genters stakes, the $45,000 co-features at Canterbury Park on Saturday.
The Myers Stakes drew a field of seven Minnesota-bred colts and geldings and will feature a rematch between the one-two finishers in last season's Northern Lights Futurity, Sul Lago and Bee O Bee Bob.
Sul Lago hasn't won since the futurity last season but has raced well in four starts, all against older rivals, this year. In his most recent outing, he finished second by a head after trouble at the start, and he would prevail here with a repeat of that performance. Leading rider Paul Nolan will be aboard Sul Lago, who is trained by Wilson Brown.
Bee O Bee Bob finished second by six lengths in the futurity last season but gives every indication he is capable of turning the tables on Sul Lago in the Myers. A large, scopey gelding by Petionville, Bee O Bee Bob came here from Oaklawn and bested allowance rivals in his first start at this meeting. In his most recent appearance, Bee O Bee Bob finished fourth to Sul Lago's second in an allowance contest. Trainer Mac Robertson will add blinkers for Bee O Bee Bob's start in this six-furlong contest and Seth Martinez is named to ride.
Ghazi's Big Easy is part of an uncoupled entry for trainer Wilson Brown and appears the likely pacesetter.
* Twelve Minnesota-bred fillies contest the six-furlong Genter. Run With Joy is owned by Frances Genter Williams, the daughter of Frances Genter.
Second in last season's Northern Lights Debutante, Run With Joy was impressive winning a one-mile allowance last month. Dean Butler rides Run With Joy, who is trained by Harold Williams.
Thanks for the Tip figures prominently in the Genter after winning two races in dominating fashion earlier at this meeting. Thanks for the Tip was upset in her last race, but that performance may be excused as she was racing on seven days' rest. Martinez rides.
Rider Derek Bell appeared to have his choice of several in the Genter and opted to ride Holly in Summer for trainer Thad Keller. Holly in Summer is unbeaten in two starts at Canterbury Park.