Box 'em up in the Dean Kutz Stakes

On my way out the door for today's 4:00 post at Canterbury and wanted to send a shout out to Paul and Michelle Koenig, who campaign horses here in Shakopee and around the country in their Mardi Gras flavored Majestic Farm stable colors. Big Push, a runner they own in partnership, will compete in the Dean Kutz Stakes at Canterbury Park today. Michelle keeps a great blog concerning the stable goings on along with the life of a mother of two beautiful kids while staying true to her first love as a die-hard Minnesota Twins fan at the Majestic Farms blog.

A few years back at the MTA Stallion Season auction I had a chance to meet brothers Brett and Chad Holtz, who campaign horses in the name of their Red Dog Stables. They were looking for stallion recommendations for their stakes winning mare Perfect Moment and I suggested they contact matings planner and pedigree guru Les Brinsfield, who had planned the mating of their mare. Fast forward four years and we all get to watch two really nice 3-year olds mix it up in the Dean Kutz Stakes at Canterbury. Not to be outdone, Perfect Bull has his own blog too.

Dean Kutz's family should be on hand to present the hardware after the race. And for a moment after they finishing running, we'll stop a moment and remember one of the toughest sonuvaguns that ever weighed out after a race in Shakopee -- or anywhere else for that matter.

And like more than a few horseplayers I know, I'll be thanking him for all the winners he delivered, from here to Kentucky.

DMM