Shrewd Move connects for 16-1 upset in Paul Bunyan Stakes
Shrewd Move, the longest shot on the board at 16-1, surprised his competition in Saturday’s $50,000 Paul Bunyan Stakes, the co-feature for sprinters at Canterbury Park.
Making his first start in nearly two months after going 1 for 3 during the winter at Turf Paradise, Shrewd Move ($34.40) surged through an opening along the rail under Nik Goodwin turning for home and sprinted clear to win by three-quarters of a length, completing 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.25.
Wings Locked Up, the 2-1 second choice in a field of seven, finished second, 3 1/4 lengths clear of third-place Helooksthepart.
A 5-year-old gelded son of Closing Argument trained by Dan McFarlane for Yeamans Racing Stables, Shrewd Move is now 8 for 33 with a bankroll of $197,591.
Thoughtless scores as favorite in L’Etoile du Nord
Thoughtless, returning to Minnesota for the first time since clearing her entry-level allowance condition in July 2015, blew past the tiring pacesetters to easily win the $50,000 L’ Etoile du Nord for female sprinters.
Ridden by Alex Canchari for trainer Mac Robertson, the 5-year-old Thoughtless ($4.40) was slightly favored in the six-horse field over D R C’s Pretty Sky, who was seeking her first stakes win since taking the Zia Distaff in November. D R C’s Pretty Sky and Diva’s Rule were dueling approaching the turn when Thoughtless launched a three-wide bid, took command in midstretch , and drew clear by 3 1/4 lengths. The winning time for 5 1/2 furlongs was 1:03.72.