Adhsilver rallies late in Hoist Her Flag

SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Rallying from last at the quarter pole, Adhsilver prevailed in time to capture the $50,000 Hoist Her Flag Stakes at Canterbury Park on Saturday.

Sent postward as the third betting choice in the field of seven older and mares, Adhsilver overcame some bumping at the start and settled into stride while a pace skirmish ensued between Margie Marie and Des Moines. Mongoose Gold was the first to challenge that pair and opened a clear lead in midstretch, but under patient handling from rider Tracy Hebert, Adhsilver had developed a full head of steam and rallied to the lead in the final strides, completing the six furlongs over sloppy going in 1:11.53. Mongoose finished second, 2 1/4 lengths clear of third place finisher Thecallmeladyluck.

The Hoist Her Flag victory was the first black-type win for Adhsilver, who was bred by Centaur Farms and was saddled by trainer Gary Scherer. Adhsilver returned a $10.20 mutuel and capped an exacta that paid $38.40.

Stablemates one-two in Brooks Fields

An all-day soaking rain didn't deter Canterbury Park management from keeping the $50,000 Brooks Fields Stakes on the turf, much to the delight of the Emerald Bay Stables, whose entry of Spider Power and Pursue a Dream finished one-two in the 7 1/2-furlong contest.

The soft going may have precipitated a number of scratches, and the field was reduced to seven older colts and geldings. King A. J. was joined on the lead by Gun Salute, though neither runner was being urged to dispute a tepid pace, dawdling through fractions of 25.08 seconds, 49.61, and six furlongs in 1:15.62.

Jockey Jose Ferrer had settled Spider Power in last for three-quarters of a mile, but when King A. J. briefly spurted clear in upper stretch, Ferrer swung out widest in the lane and began reeling in the pacesetter. Joined by entrymate Pursue a Dream leaving the furlong marker, the pair collared the pacesetter in the final sixteenth, with Spider Power prevailing by a neck while stopping the timer in 1:34.03.

Claimed at the Fair Grounds meeting in January, Spider Power earned his first win for his new connections. Mike Biehler trains both Spider Power and Pursue a Dream. The winner returned $6.60 as the second wagering choice.