Wayzata Bay stuns Cornhusker rivals

The third time was the charm for Wayzata Bay as he pulled a huge upset in the Grade 2, $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap on Saturday night. Becoming the first horse to race three times in the Cornhusker, Wayzata Bay was sent off as the longest shot on the board in the seven-horse field and returned $78.80 to win.

After stumbling slightly at the start, the locally based Wayzata Bay settled into a stalking position just behind the embattled pacesetters, Encaustic and Temporary Saint. As the leaders came to the quarter pole, jockey Israel OCampo moved three wide around the tiring pacesetters, and after getting first run opened up an insurmountable lead to register the upset. Trained by Judi Hicklin, who had tears streaming down her face as she rushed to greet the star of her stable, Wayzata Bay covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.47 become the first Prairie Meadows-based horse to win the track's biggest race.

Sumac, who is also locally based, came on to finish second, while Temporary Saint, who briefly took the lead, tired to finish third. Zanjero, who was sent off as the post-time favorite, never threatened while finishing fourth.

Sprint: Native Ruler waits and pounces

Earlier on the card, OCampo waited patiently for running room and the top of the stretch before guiding Native Ruler, ($13.80) through an opening along the rail to win the $125,000 Iowa Sprint Handicap by three-quarters of a length. Since being claimed by Maggie Moss, the 4-year-old has now won four straight races. The Chris Richard trainee ran the six furlongs in 1:08.98.

Distaff: Fancy Fusaichi opens up

The most decisive win of the night was registered by Fancy Fusaichi, who opened up under a Julien Leparoux hand ride to win the $125,000 Iowa Distaff by 8 3/4 lengths. After tracking the pacesetting Miss Atlantic to the top of the stretch, Fancy Fusaichi ($6) drew off impressively and was never threatened. Trained by Bill Mott and owned by George Steinbrenners Kinsman Stable, the 4-year-old became a stakes winner in her first try.