Mac Robertson sweeps state-bred stakes when Ready to Runaway wins Lady Slipper
Hot Shot Kid and jockey Francisco Arietta waited patiently behind the pace set by 1 to 9 favorite Mr. Jagermeister before taking aim in mid-stretch to win Wednesday’s six furlong 10,000 Lakes Stakes at Canterbury Park by 1 1/2 lengths. The showdown between the two all-time leading Minnesota-bred moneys earners played out according to script as Mr. Jagermeister, under rider Leandro Goncalves, was sent to the lead but pushed along early by Hot Shot Kid’s stablemate Cinco Star through fractions of 21.96 and 44.11 seconds. Hot Shot Kid, never further than 4 1/2 lengths behind, closed on the outside to win in 1:09.45 while Mr. Jagermeister settled for second place 1 1/2 lengths in front of Fireman Oscar. The winner, owned by Warren Bush, paid $11.20.
“Things went Hot Shot Kid’s way today,” trainer Mac Robertson said. “I expect there will be a rematch.” Hot Shot Kid earned $30,000 of the $50,000 stakes purse, boosting his lifetime earnings to $575, 404. Mr. Jagermeister has earnings of $588,364.
Robertson’s evening was not finished as he also trained the winner of the $50,000 Lady Slipper Stakes, Ready to Runaway. Rider Alex Canchari and Ready to Runaway sat just off Ari Gia before pulling away in the stretch to win by 3 3/4 lengths in 1:09.71. Ari Gia faded to sixth. Pinup Girl closed to finish second with Firstmate finishing third. Ready to Runaway is owned by John Mentz. She paid $3.20 to win as the wagering favorite.