Minnetonka Mist gets it done

Minnetonka Mist had to work harder than expected to validate his 1-5 favoritism in the $81,478 colt-and-gelding division of the ATBA Sales Stakes at Turf Paradise on Saturday, while Bella Cardona posted a mild upset in the $91,625 filly division.

Ridden by Juan Rivera, Minnetonka Mist posted a front-running, three-quarter-length score, covering the six furlongs in 1:09.25. Hidden Bounty and Albacore Bob finished noses apart for second and third, respectively, in the field of 10 2-year-old males.

Bella Cardona, trained by Molly Pearson, battled gamely to the wire to just nip a stubborn Shelbydell by a nose under Adolfo Morales. Dizzy Lady finished third in the field of 10 juvenile fillies. Bella Cardona covered the six furlongs in 1:11.30 and paid $14.40.

Both winners were trained by Marty and Pam Wygod of California.