Minnesota Derby, Oaks share card

SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Perfect Bull should prove a slight favorite when he faces eight Minnesota-bred 3-year-olds in the $60,000 Minnesota Derby on Saturday. The card also includes the $60,000 Minnesota Oaks for statebred 3-year-old fillies.

Perfect Bull didn't produce his best form last year until tried around two turns, winning his maiden at Remington Park in his first attempt at a route distance. Shipped to Tampa with trainer Bernell Rhone, Perfect Bull was ambitiously placed when tried in the Tampa Bay Derby, finishing last after making the early pace.

Perfect Bull made short work of his remaining allowance conditions before finishing fifth in the Dean Kutz Stakes here in his most recent start. Jockey Dean Butler elected to ride Perfect Bull over several other choices in this mile and 70-yard contest.

Butler's decision was made more difficult when Nomorewineforeddie gutted out a rail-running victory in the six-furlong Victor S. Myers Stakes three weeks ago. Jockey Dylan Williams will replace Butler Saturday.

Three other runners exit the Myers and merit consideration in the derby. Bizet finished with interest to be second in the Myers and gives the impression he should like the derby's added distance.

First Captain finished fourth in the Myers after making an eye-catching move on the turn .

A Steel Trap bested Nomorewineforeddie by daylight earlier in the meeting.

* Chick Fight faces seven rivals in the Minnesota Oaks and will be favored to replicate her dominating performance in the Frances Genter Stakes three weeks ago.

Chick Fight made the pace and drew clear by six lengths as the odds-on favorite in the Genter Stakes. The only question is if she can navigate the Oaks mile 70-yard distance. Butler has the call ofor trainer Mac Robertson.

All Hallow's Eve outfinished Katie Is Smart to be second in the Genter Stakes three weeks ago, and that pair appear to be the main dangers.