Canterbury: Backstretch benefit for Pfeifer

The Canterbury Park backstretch came together this past week to hold a fund-raiser for trainer Randy Pfeifer, who broke a leg in a training accident a few weeks ago. That injury required surgery, and the fund-raiser was held to defray the extensive costs of the procedure and resulting hospital stay.

A potluck dinner and entertainment provided by local favorites the Even Money Band were some of the highlights of the evening. An auction of donated equipment, feed, and tack was also held, with trainer Francisco Bravo acting as auctioneer. Donations for the Pfeifer recovery fund are still being accepted.

* Jockey Derek Bell has come out of nowhere to heat up the contest for the riding title at Canterbury Park. As of Wednesday, Seth Martinez topped the standings with 26 victories. Paul Nolan and Derek Bell were tied for second with 25 wins each. Bell, who lagged behind in the standings during the first month of this meeting, has started to find business all over the track and has made the most of his opportunities. Bell won four races on both Saturday and Sunday and has posted a 31 percent strike rate at this meeting.

* Jockeys Nik Goodwin and Tommy Wellington are tied in the Quarter Horse standings with five wins each. Trainer Edward Ross Hardy finds himself in a familiar spot, leading the Quarter Horse trainer standings with seven victories.