SHAKOPEE, MN – A pair of $45,000 Minnesota stakes debuted on the Canterbury Park calendar on Friday night for Minnesota bred horses both foaled and conceived in Minnesota.  Minnesota stallions represented in the races included Matt’s Broken Vow, Law Enforcement, Sam Lord’s Castle and Kela all with 2 starters as well as Obstacle, Timber Legend and Joey Franco.

In the Distaff, streaking 3-year Simran made it three in a row for trainer Roopishwar Rampadarat and owner, wife Gaitri.  The daughter of Joey Franco covered the six furlongs in 1:12.24 under Leslie Mawing two weeks after defeating other 3-year olds in Frances Genter.

The Rampadarat’s have had success with several Minnesota breds in the past including stakes winner Bassant and multiple stakes placed Saveeta.

“We have been breeding Minnesota breds, especially to Minnesota stallions, for years,” said Gaitri.  “But we’ll be winding down now.  We aren’t getting any younger!”

Simran paid $5.00 for the win. Ta Kela Warning ($2.40) was second and Miss Jane ($2.60) was third.

In the Sprint, Speeding Kid was sent off as the 3/5 favorite and did not disappoint, tracking off the speed early and then powering by the short field in the lane to win by 2 in 1:10.98 over Vow of Francis ($5.60) and Fireball Oscar ($2.10) and paid $3.20 for the win.  The win gave jockey Leslie Mawing a sweep of the stakes races on the day.

“The plan was to sit just off the pace,” said Mawing.  “He kind of stumbled a bit so I had to change tactics and come late.”

For first time owners Lori and William Townsend, Speeding Kid has been all they could have hoped for.  The 3-year old gelding by Law Enforcement has hit the board in each of his 7 career races now with earnings that pushed over the $100,000 mark.

“We really enjoy all of this,” said Townsend.  “As much fun as I have coming out in the morning and watching workouts, this is as exciting as it gets.”