Sky and Sealed, Speed Is Life take preps for Minnesota Oaks, Derby

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – Heavy favorite Sky and Sealed rolled home by 11 1/2 lengths and Speed Is Life pulled a mild upset in the co-featured stakes for 3-year-old Minnesota-breds on Friday’s holiday card at Canterbury Park.

In the $60,000 Frances Genter for 3-year-old fillies, six-furlong prep for the Minnesota Oaks on Aug. 9, Sky and Sea ($2.20) led from gate to wire with Dean Butler aboard in 1:12.08. The win gave trainer Bernell Rhone his third straight Genter victory. Rhone won in 2012 with Happy Hour Honey and last year’s edition with Badge of Glory.

“We purchased her dam, Peaceful Sky, in foal to Latent Heat and we knew from the moment she hit the ground she was very athletic,” said owner and breeder Scott Rake. “She has such a good stride and her pedigree is full of distance so she should be able to handle the mile and 70 of the Oaks.”

Thunder and Honey finished second, 1 3/4 lengths in front of Stellabrini.

In the six-furlong, $60,000 Victor Myers, a prep for the Aug. 9 Minnesota Derby, the result remained in doubt until deep in the lane when Doug Oliver trainee Speed is Life put away front runner Slippery Ice to win by three-quarters of a length under a strong ride by Ry Eikleberry.

Speed Is Life ($12.20) sat in behind a strong pace set by Slippery Ice, who was chased determinedly by AP is Loose and Appeal to the King.

“There was a lot of pace today so we decided to settle and he responded very well,” said Eikleberry. “You have to give a lot of credit to Doug getting him ready for this race.”

Eikleberry kept Speed Is Life on the rail and started moving on the leader after it looked as if Slippery Ice had put away the competition. Speed Is Life got a head in front while Slippery Ice fought back gamely for several strides before Speed Is Life pulled away in the final 100 yards, covering six furlongs in 1:12.49

Slippery Ice was second, two lengths in front of 17-1 Royal Tramp.