Friday’s racing action at Assiniboia Downs kicked off the long weekend with a win that saw last year’s Horse of Year taken down a few notches. Monsoon Rain was defeated by Sprinter of the Year, Rock’n USA.
Pulling away from the field in mid-turn, Rock’n USA galloped home to win easily and make short work of the track. Trained by Tanya Lindsay, “The Rock” showed everyone they will need their best game June 6 for the $30,000 Free Press Sprint.
Last year’s Derby Trial winner, Mr. Exspeedient, sat behind the dueling trio and passed Monsoon Rain in deep stretch, but it was only good enough to come in second.
Monsoon Rain, trained by Chad Torevall, had the advantage of the rail down the backstretch but could not keep up with the winner when he made his move on the turn. A game effort for the Horse of the Year could not hold off the fast closing Mr. Exspeedient and he had to settle for third.
