Let It Rock upsets Shakopee Stakes

SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Trainer Judi Hicklin pulled the upset of the meet in the $50,000 Shakopee Stakes at Canterbury Park on Monday when Let It Rock edged his stablemate Wayzata Bay in the mile and 70-yard contest as the longest wagering choice in the field of five.

Ridden by Adolfo Morales, Let It Rock settled off the early pace set by Eagle Storm, who set a measured tempo with fractions of 23.80 seconds, 47.34, and 1:11.81. The field converged nearing the top of the stretch with Let It Rock being swinging widest and then prevailing ilate to edge favored Wayzata Bay by 1 1/4 lengths. Prospective Kiss finished third, another half-length behind the top pair. Let It Rock was timed in 1:42.08.

This was the first stakes win for Let it Rock, who returned $34.80 and capped an $80 exacta. The winner is owned by Hicklin Farms LCC and Tom Gregorson.

Angel Smoke overcomes poor start

Angel Smoke put an exclamation on another successful meet for trainer Mac Robertson and Jerry and Marlene Myers' Jer-Mar Stable LLC when she prevailed in the $50,000 Dean Kutz Stakes despite being momentarily impeded at the start.

Polynesian Kitty set the pace in the Kutz and was challenged on the far turn by Street Sign, who edged forward to a half-length lead as the pair raced into midstretch. Jockey Derek Bell had kept Angel Smoke within striking distance despite the trouble at the start and challenged outside the leaders in the final furlong to prevail by a half-length. Polynesian Kitty was resurgent along the rail to secure second from Street Sign by a neck. Angel Smoke completed the mile and 70 yards in 1:43.01.

Angel Smoke ($4.40) was one of Robertson's 77 winners at the meeting, the highest total of wins the conditioner has saddled while winning his fourth consecutive training title.