Horse Race Preview: Race 4 – Minnesota Oaks at Canterbury Park

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Track: Canterbury Park (Shakopee, MN)

Distance: 1 mile, 70 yards

Surface: Dirt

Purse: $75,000

Post Time: 10:40 PM ET / 9:40 PM CT

Field Size: 7 runners

Contenders to Watch

Flatter Me Baby (Post 2)

Trainer: Troy Bethke

Jockey: Guillermo Rodriguez

Form: 19-4211

Odds: Likely favorite

Notes: Comes in off back-to-back wins, including a sharp victory over Wildcat Minny. Has tactical speed and proven dirt form. Strong contender.

Carson Bay (Post 4)

Trainer: Gary Scherer

Jockey: Erica Murray

Form: 10275D

Notes: Finished second to Flatter Me Baby last out. Has shown grit and consistency. Could turn the tables with a better trip.

Where’s Marilyn (Post 3)

Trainer: Bruce Riecken

Jockey: Jermaine Bridgmohan

Form: 431-551

Notes: Closed fast to win at a mile last time out. Proven at the distance and improving. Dangerous late runner.

Other Entrants

PostHorseTrainerJockeyFormNotes
1Wildcat MinnyTim PadillaAlonso Quinonez9-62462Consistent but lacks finishing punch
5Vintage PortCoty RosinVictor Santiago343-12Solid second last out; needs pace
6Mary B’s LegacyMcLean RobertsonDaylor Berrios Lopez15-17Troubled trip last out; longshot
7I C GoldMcLean RobertsonHarry Hernandez145Well-bred but outclassed so far

Strategic Insights

Pace Scenario: Carson Bay and Flatter Me Baby likely to contest the early lead. Where’s Marilyn could benefit from a hot pace and close late.

Track Bias: Canterbury Park dirt tends to favor tactical speed but closers can win with a contested pace.

Trainer Notes: Gary Scherer and Bruce Riecken have strong records in Minnesota-bred stakes.

Top Pick: Flatter Me Baby
Value Play: Where’s Marilyn
Longshot to Watch: Vintage Port

Suggested Bets:

Win: Flatter Me Baby

Exacta Box: Flatter Me Baby / Where’s Marilyn

Trifecta: Flatter Me Baby / Carson Bay / Where’s Marilyn