SHAKOPEE, MN – Five days after the five furlong Honor the Hero Stakes had to be postponed due to lightening, the weather again is setting up to play a role in the redrawn turf stake scheduled for race eight Saturday at Canterbury Park.
The initial eleven horse field was whittled down to seven after the postponement. With rain nearly a 100% certainty for much of the early afternoon, it is possible that the race may end up being moved to the main track. There hasn’t been much rain late this week so the good news is that the surface should be able to take some water before being unraceable and it is entirely possible that the rain won’t reach soaking levels, leaving the race on the grass – albeit in less than firm condition.
In the field, only longshot Indy Forest and Consumerconfidence do not have wins over a dirt track.
The 2-1 morning line favorite is Stuart Clinton trained Wheels Locked up. Ridden by Orlando Mojica, the Munnings gelding is the most accomplished sprinter in the field with multiple stakes wins and a win over the Canterbury turf to his credit. He won the Dark Star Cup (6.5 furlongs, dirt) in wire to wire fashion. He should be the speed on the front end and there may not be any horse that will challenge him there, allowing Mojica to control the dash.
Mac Robertson trainee Majestic Pride is a wild card in this race. Predominantly a two turn horse, he does have a win over the turf at this distance and was third in this event in 2016. He’s won gate to wire himself on several occasions including the 2016 Brooks Fields (1 mile, turf) and a pair of optional claimers last season – one on the turf and one over the main track. This will be his 2018 debut and the race does set up nicely as a prep for the $100,000 Mystic Lake Mile to be run on June 23. Majestic Pride only missed by a head in last year’s Mile so the focus may be further down the road, however you can’t sleep on Robertson, crafty veteran rider Dean Butler or discount the horse’s speed.
Jack’s Snipe is another multiple stakes winner, though in state bred events in Louisiana. Off since March 24, trainer Gary Scherer has been breezing him steadily for his return to the races.
Post time for the ten race card is 12:55 PM with the estimated post time for the Honor the Hero is 4:15.
