SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Under clever handling from Ry Eikleberry, Nomorewineforeddie triumphed over four older rivals to capture the $25,000 Kenny Schoepf Stakes at Canterbury Park Saturday night.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - A sixteenth of a mile was long enough for trainer Steve Asmussen to realize just how well Rachel Alexandra is doing. Now, after he imparts that bit of knowledge to owner Jess Jackson, perhaps a decision on where the queen of American racing will make her next start will be forthcoming.
The $100,000 Prelude Stakes at Louisiana Downs is building a reputation for tight finishes. Last year, there was a three-way photo for the win. Saturday, the story was much the same at the wire, with Uno Mas edging Electric Alphabet and Red Lead by a neck in the 1 1/16-mile prep for next month s Grade 2, $750,000 Super Derby.
AUBURN, Wash. - Assessment overcame a daunting draw and a formidable field to capture the on Sunday at Emerald Downs, beating 2-1 wagering favorite Awesome Gem by three-quarters of a length. Teide was a nose back in third, a half-length ahead of 2008 Mile winner Wasserman in the field of 12.
DEL MAR, Calif. - Magical Fantasy won her third straight graded stakes race, and became only the fourth filly in 40 years to capture both the Del Mar Oaks and the John Mabee Stakes, with an emphatic victory on Sunday in the Grade 1 Mabee at Del Mar.
FORT ERIE, Ontario - Anne's Purse, the public's second choice behind the heavily favored Bent Attorney, came up with a mild upset to win the five-furlong $125,000 Rainbow Connection Stakes on a humid Sunday afternoon at the Fort.
The turf course, listed as good, may have been deeper than thought, as winning rider Gerry Olguin noted that his 4-year-old filly took a while to get the ground under her feet. On the rail into the stretch, Olguin angled her out and near the furlong pole, surged to the lead, and was going away at the wire. Anne's Purse paid $6.80 to win.
Native Ruler, the pride and joy of leading owner Maggi Moss's locally based string, made a sparkling return to form when convincingly edging clear from the 9-year-old veteran Coach Jimi Lee to take Saturday evening's $75,000 Prairie Meadows Sprint. The winning margin was three lengths, and Native Ruler, who carried high weight of 124 pounds, ran the six furlongs in a spritely 1:08.26.