Minnesota Derby and Oaks Results

Minnesota Oaks

Chick Fight did NOT get off to the lead in this one despite breaking well. She was beat to the front on her inside by Katie Is Smart and there they went all the way around until the top of the stretch. Chick Fight found another gear and while Katie Is Smart tried hard, she was no match for Chick Fight stretching out to the mile and 70 yard distance to win by 3. Before becoming official Chick Fight had to survive an objection by Katie Is Smart jockey Jose Bettancourt for interference at the top of the stretch. While they were in close quarters and Chick Fight did angle in a bit, Katie Is Smart did not have to check up and as she moved deeper into the stretch she continued to drift outward on her own accord while holding the place spot. A well deserved win for Chick Fight, trainer Mac Robertson, jockey Dean Butler and owners Bleu Valley Farm (Deb & Jeff Hilger). She'll be a tough on come Minnesota Festival Day on the last day of the meet.


Top 3:

1. Chick Fight (Ted's pick)
2. Katie Is Smart
3. Five Nations


Minnesota Derby

Perfect Bull broke well and settled mid pack through the first turn and down the backside. As the field started it's turn for home, Dean Butler started to pick off horses one by won until he came face to face with pacesetter Jack and Max and upstart A Steel Trap trying to close into the lead. It was not to be as Bull powered by them both drawing off to win with Jack and Max holding strong for second and A Steel Trap winning a photo for 3rd from Nomorewineforeddie. Congratulations to trainer Bernell Rhone, jockey Dean Butler (a stakes sweep today!) and owner Red Dog Stables on a very nice win for Fizzy Pop's stablemate.

Top 3

1. Perfect Bull (Ted's pick)
2. Jack and Max (3rd choice)
3. A Steel Trap

I'd love to toot my own horn here going two for two, but neither was a particularly tough race to pick and, therefore, very chalky. But wins are wins!