'Wrapping' Up Assiniboia Downs Stakes From Last Week

Halfinthewrapper proved her win in the Ruby’s Big Band Stakes on June 1 was no fluke with a wire-to-wire victory over hard charging Manitoba-bred champ Hidden Grace in the 38th running of the $35,000 La Verendrye Stakes on the evening of June 22 for trainer Mike Taphorn, owner Lets Dance Stable, and groom Erika Parris.

The La Verendrye was one of three stakes races held last week at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg. Wagering on the three nights of racing at the Manitoba track continues to be brisk with an average of close to $800,000 each night.

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The 5-year-old bay mare by King’s Bishop Stakes (G1) runner-up and Southwest Stakes winner Great Notion is the first stakes winner out of the mare Bear Slayer by Two Punch, who was unplaced in two starts. Claimed for $15,000 last fall at Woodbine after winning once at Assiniboia Downs, according to her previous owner Pete Gagne, Halfinthewrapper apparently had a foot problem last year and never quite got to where she is now.

Gagne was heartbroken to lose the horse he had originally claimed for $16,000 at Laurel in July 2020, but he also wished the very best for her new connections and was even invited into the winner’s circle by Taphorn after her La Verendrye victory. Classy on all fronts.

Halfinthewrapper faced more pressure early in the La Verendrye and still managed to open up and hold on late under jockey Neville Stephenson. The going could get much tougher for the back-to-back stakes winner if she decides to stretch out in the $35,000 Canada Stakes on July 13 going 7 ½-furlongs. Hidden Grace looked like a hungry bear late in the La Verendrye, while making her first start of the year for trainer Lise Pruitt, and she does love a distance.

But isn’t it amazing what a winter off in the snow of Manitoba can do for a horse?

Canadian Derby (G3) winner Real Grace was a trip handicapper’s dream in the 62nd running of the $35,000 Free Press Stakes on Tuesday night, charging up the rail with gusto under Renaldo Cumberbatch to defeat a very game Market King for trainer Shelley Brown and her ownership partner Jean McEwen.

The 5-year-old gelding by multiple Grade 1 winner Mineshaft out of Barretts Debutante Stakes winner True Way of Grace by Yes It’s True had lost to Market King in his first start of the year in the Nifty Overnight Stakes after a wide trip from post 10. There was none of that on Tuesday breaking from post 3 and stalking a duel from the rail.

Kudos to trainer Shelley Brown for developing what at one time looked like a need-the-lead speed horse into a legitimately tough stakes horse that can win with any kind of trip. The four-time stakes winner has now earned over $120,00 US from a record of 6-4-2 in 19 starts.

Former Oaklawn Park $25,000 claimer Brody’s Streak continues to roll towards the $100,000 Manitoba Derby on Monday, August 1, for trainer Tom Gardipy, Jr. and owner Larry Henry with a dream trip victory in the 46th running of the $35,000 Golden Boy Stakes on Monday.

The grey gelding by Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Brody’s Cause is out of Part of the Charm, who is a full sister to Pocahontas Stakes (G2) winner Dancinginherdreams, by Tapit, and he should have ample enough pedigree to stretch out to the Derby distance of 1 1/8-miles.

Ridden by Ronald Ali and groomed by Beth Penton, Brody’s Streak stalked a three-horse duel in the six-furlong Golden Boy before taking over in late turn, and romped home by 4 ½-lengths. He’ll stretch out to a mile in the $35,000 Derby Trial on Monday, July 11, and will no doubt be hoping for another perfect trip.

Trainers Jerry Gourneau and Mike Nault are now tied atop the standings with six wins each, with Shelley Brown, Jared Brown, and Marvin Buffalo hot on their trail with five wins apiece.

Last year’s leading rider Jorge Carreno remains on top in the jockey standings with 11 wins, but Chavion Chow is only two behind with nine wins, followed by Renaldo Cumberbatch and Stanley Chadee, Jr. with eight wins each. Neville Stephenson rounds out the top 5 with seven victories.