SHAKOPEE, MN – The 31st running of the $30,305 Minnesota Stallion Breeders’ Futurity and the inaugural running of the $24,000 North Star State Stakes kicked off the Quarter Horse stakes season at Canterbury Park Sunday.

In the Futurity, Bhr Flashing Effort, owner of the highest speed index in the field, was largely ignored by the bettors and sent postward at 8-1, possibly in part because of his antics in the paddock.  The 2-year colt was tough to control in the walking ring and reared a few times when Chase Clark climbed aboard.

“He gets a little testy,” said trainer Bob Johnson.  “But if you just leave him alone, he’ll be fine.”

Jockey Clark agreed.

“You’ve got to sit chilly on these 2-year olds,” he said.  “Once we got to the gate, though, he had his game face on and he was fine.”

The C’s Flashlight colt broke alertly and was never headed in the 350 yard dash, keeping favorite Haute Wagon at back for the length of the race, winning by a head in 18.466 paying $18.20 for the win.  Haute favorite ($2.60) was second and Just Plain Fast ($8.40) was third.

This was trainer Bob Johnson’s seventh win in the race.

There was less drama in the $24,000 North Star State as heavily favored Pyc Jess Bite Mydust ($2.60) kept 15-1 Jess a Rumor (7.60) at bay the entire 300 yards to prevail by a neck in 15.732.  Jess a Chance ($3.00) was third.

The 4-year old gelding, winner of the Northlands Futurity and Minnesota Quarter Horse Derby, broke well and lengthened his lead as the race got longer.

“He does not break well,” said owner/breeder Bruce Lunderborg.  “He’s been that was his entire career.  I don’t know why, he just doesn’t. We like to go longer than 300 yards so when he screws up he has a chance to catch up.  He’s been a real fun horse.”