Minnesota-bred 3-year-olds prep for oaks, derby

SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Minnesota-bred 3-year-olds run in the Frances Genter and Victor S. Myers Jr. stakes, the traditional preps at Canterbury Park for the Minnesota Oaks and Derby.

A field of seven will contest the $35,000 Vic Myers, and One by Design might prove the narrow favorite in the six-furlong sprint. A winner in his career debut last month, One by Design had trouble at the start in his last outing, when he finished third to an older rival in an allowance.

Derek Bell replaces Ed Cervantes on One by Design, who is trained by Mike Biehler.

Son of Rhea appears the likely pacesetter as he has led in five of six lifetime outings. Leslie Mawing is named to ride Son of Rhea by trainer Wilson Brown.

Tricky Pick Six finished just behind One by Design in their most recent outing. Jason Eads will ride Tricky Pick Six, who is owned by Curt Sampson, chairman of Canterbury Park.

Maywood's Jack pulled an upset last season when he prevailed in the Northern Lights Futurity for his owner, the late Carl H. Backes. Maywood's Jack still carries the Backes colors and is now campaigned by Backes's widow, Dorothy. Maywood's Jack has suffered three troubled trips in as many starts this year and might improve dramatically with a clean trip.

Madam Speaker merits the favorite's role in a field of eight Minnesota-bred 3-year-old fillies in the $35,000 Frances Genter. She has put together two impressive front-running victories in four career starts, all at Canterbury.

In her last race, Madam Speaker finished fourth against older rivals in open company after setting a fast pace. A repeat of that performance would likely make her the pacesetter in the Genter. Derek Bell has the mount on Madam Speaker, who is trained by Vic Hanson.

Maywood's Jill was favored in last season's Northern Lights Debutante and finished a close third after a troubled trip. She demonstrated a return to her best form when she captured an allowance by four lengths in her most recent race. Curtis Kimes rides Maywood's Jill.

A. Caterina won her maiden impressively last month and has a pedigree that suggests she can contend in statebred stakes company. A. Caterina is a half-sister to Lakeville, who was named last season's 3-year-old filly of the meet.