My Bariley surges late to take Mystic Lake Mile

My Bariley had the lead at the stretch call of the Mystic Lake Derby last year but got run down in the final furlong. In his second trip to Canterbury Park, My Bariley was the horse doing the late passing, running down Hay Dakota yards from the finish to win the $100,000 Mystic Lake Mile.

Hay Dakota won the 2017 Mystic Lake Mile and appeared poised to repeat after rallying from far behind the early leaders to split horses and seize the lead past the furlong grounds. But My Bariley, who also raced from the rear of the field and was passed in midstretch by Hay Dakota, put forth a final surge under Hugo Sanchez and won by a half-length. The winner was timed in 1:34.36 for a mile on firm turf and paid $35 to win.

It was the second stakes win for My Bariley, who captured the $100,000 Hawthorne Derby last fall. The 4-year-old gelding had been second by a nose in an Indiana Grand turf allowance race making his first start of the year and took a solid step forward Saturday for trainer Tony Granitz, who shipped My Bariley from Arlington this week.

My Bariley was bred and is owned by Captain Jack Racing, which also campaigned his dam, Si Si Mon Amie. My Bariley, by Mizzen Mast, won for the fourth time in 17 races. His win total might be higher if not for several troubled trips, but My Bariley got a clean run – and the money – in the Mystic Lake Mile.

I’m Betty G best in Lady Canterbury

Trainer Mike Maker poked around considering a few different spots for I’m Betty G before finally settling on the $100,000 Lady Canterbury Stakes. Maker chose well, as I’m Betty G got a perfect trip under Tyler Gaffalione and won the Lady Canterbury by 1 1/4 lengths over 2-1 favorite Sirenusa. Sailor’s Valentine finished third, and Lovely Loyree was a tough-trip fourth after being shuffled back to last past the half-mile pole.

I’m Betty G has often led and faded, but she held firm Saturday under Gaffalione after pressing or leading through soft splits of 24.43 and 48.71 seconds. I’m Betty G went clear in upper stretch, had a three-length stretch-call lead, and was comfortably best, covering one mile on firm turf in 1:35.44 and paying $7.60 to win.

Maker trains the 4-year-old filly for Three Diamonds Farm. I’m Betty G, a winner in four of 14 starts, is by Into Mischief and was produced by the Honour and Glory mare Lady In Ermine.