SHAKOPEE, MN – The Minnesota Oaks and Derby featured a pair of overwhelming favorites, but only one lived up to the high expectations of the people.

Street Warrior, owned and bred by Suzanne Stables and trained by Joel Berndt, took the lead early and cruised to a 7 ¾ length victory in the $75,000 Minnesota Derby. Ridden by Eduardo Gallardo, Street Warrior covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:44.97. Gallardo barely moved on the undefeated gelding in his narrowest victory yet.  He proved he had no issues with turn turns and paid $2.40 for the win. Superstar Swank was far back in second with Victorious Vanda third.

In the Minnesota Oaks, 1-9 favorite Xtreme Diva was also going two turns for the first time, however she had more of a difficult time with the added distance.  She surged to the front heading into the lane where she was engaged by Chad Lindsay and Retired Kathy. Retired Kathy, with several routes under her belt, wore down the favorite in late stretch to pull away and win by three lengths.

“She’s continued to improve a little bit every time we’ve run her.  She’s had some tough trips, but she’s been getting better each time,” said winning trainer David Van Winkle.  “I think that the route experience really helped her today.”

Interestingly, this was Van Winkle’s first Minnesota Oaks victory in his Canterbury Hall of Fame career.

Retired Kathy paid $26.20 to win. Xtreme Diva easily prevailed for second with Northern Angel third.