Revamped Minnesota Stallion Stakes a good betting race

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – Before the historic agreement between Canterbury Park and its Native American casino neighbor, Mystic Lake, pumped millions of dollars into the Canterbury purse account, the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association Stallion Stakes was in decline. Short fields ruled, and overwhelming favorites dominated. The races were no longer compelling and in danger of passing from irrelevance into oblivion.

On Sunday, a newly configured MTA Stallion Stakes will debut. The male and female divisions were consolidated and the purse pumped up from $35,000 to $55,000. This edition of the 6 1/2-furlong race over the main track features a competitive field of eight, including a filly, I Forgot It’s Name. A mix of speed and closers makes the race interesting, and the lack of a clear favorite makes it a good betting opportunity.

MTA Stallion Stakes (race 8)

KEY CONTENDERS

ROYAL TRAMP (Last 3 Beyers: 62-44-55)

◗ A hard-charging third in the Victor Meyers Stakes for 3-year-old statebred males at six furlongs.

◗ Should get a stalking trip under Eddie Martin Jr., and the additional half-furlong should help.

I FORGOT IT’S NAME (Last 3 Beyers: 0-56-45)

◗ Filly has been close to the lead in each of her three starts but faded badly in her last, the $84,000 Iowa Stallion Stakes at a mile and 70 yards. Dials back to a sprint.

◗ Will sit right behind the speed early and get first run at the pacesetters.

GRANITE RIDGE (Last 3 Beyers: 16-53-53)

◗ Another graduate of the Iowa Stallion Stakes, stuck a head in front midway through before fading.

◗ Will head to the lead early and try to shake free of the other speed, Appeal to the King (post 6). Speed carries in sprints at Canterbury, and an uncontested lead is dangerous.

APPEAL TO THE KING (Last 3 Beyers: 45-37-66)

◗ Early speedster was 2 for 2 as a 2-year-old but owns a pair of fifth-place finishes in 2014.

◗ Only horse to own a stakes victory, taking the Northern Lights Futurity at 2.