SHAKOPEE, MN – Vodka at Moonlight, the 3-1 second choice, won the $29,200 Bob Morehouse Quarter Horse Stakes at Canterbury Park on Sunday.  The 3-year old filly not only beat the boys, but beat older horses as well in taking the 400-yard stake in :20.3 for owner/breeder Summer Run Inc.

Owners of Summer Run, Paul and Maren Luedemann, were, of course, thrilled to win the race but this race in particular was a real joy with Maren, in particular, having known Bob Morehouse since she competed in barrel races against one of Morehouse’s daughters.

“We’ve been involved in horses since I was little,” said Maren, wiping away a tear, “and to be here in the winners’ circle and win this race.  It’s like family.”

“Jason [trainer Olmstead] took the blinkers off so she could see what was going on,” said Paul.  “She would get all worked up in the gate so he figured that if we’d give her a chance to see what she was worried about, she’d calm down.”

The filly behaved admirably in the gate though she ducked in slightly at the break.  Jockey Bryan Velazquez got her straightened out quickly and she steadily worked her way to the front, winning by a head over favored Blacks Cartel, paying $8.40 for the win.

“Bryan is such a good jockey,” said Maren.  “He is so intuitive with the horses.  You have to be able to read them and he has it.”

As for Vodka at Moonlight?  “She’s been a joy ever since she hit the ground,” smiled Maren.  “I just want to give all the glory to God and I know that Bob is watching.”

Blacks Cartel paid $3.00 for the place while long shot and early leader Rey D’Arranque ($6.00) held on for third.