Majestic Pride Takes John Bullit at Canterbury

SHAKOPEE, MN – Majestic Pride had honed his front running style to three consecutive victories heading into the $40,000 John Bullit Overnight Stakes but the speedy Flashy Jewel and a pair of key scratches changed the complexion of the race.

Late scratches to legendary Nebraska bred Diamond Joe and Towpath narrowed the field and played to Majestic Pride’s strength- the ability to get out and stay out.

“I was just watching to se what the outside horse, Flashy Jewel, would do.  I saw him go out so I just took a light hold of mine and let him run,” said winning jockey Dean Butler.

Flashy Jewel gunned out to a six length lead down the backstretch, but Butler wasn’t overly concerned, knowing full well what he had underneath him.

“Mac and his team just have done such a great job with this horse,” said Butler.  “He’s pretty easy to ride and is pretty push button.  You just let him do his thing and when you go ahead and pick him up – he runs for you.”

Majestic Pride (3.80) had to outlast a hard charge by Fear the Cowboy (2.80) down the lane to win by a neck, nearly equally the track record for a mile and a sixteenth stopping the clock at 1:42.1.  Flashy Jewel (3.00) held on for the third.