Vo Fantastic Aira, under jockey Ry Eikleberry, winning the $67,250 Minnesota Quarter Horse Derby.

© Coady Photography

SHAKOPEE, MN—SEPTEMBER 9, 2020—In the final race of the Minnesota Festival of Champions, Vo Fantastic Aira won a thrilling three-horse photo in the $67,250 Minnesota Quarter Horse Derby.

Vo Fantastic Aira ($3.40) was a heavy favorite after winning his trial by a half-length as the fastest qualifier on August 25. The Fantastic Corona Jr gelding made up ground in the final to secure the win in a narrow head bob.

The final time for the 400-yard stake was :19.978. Vo Fantastic Aira, with Ry Eikleberry aboard, earned a 95 speed index in the effort over a sloppy track.

Vo Fantastic Aira is trained by Ed Hardy and is owned by Corey Wilmes. He was bred by Rodney Von Ohlen out of his Fly Jess Fly mare Fly Eyeann, who won the Minnesota Futurity in 2012. Vo Fantastic Aira is a full brother to Fantastic Feelyn, winner of the 2018 Minnesota Futurity for the Canterbury Park Hall of Fame Von Ohlens and Ed Hardy.

The winning connections of Vo Fantastic Aria accept the Minnesota QH Derby stakes trophy Wednesday evening at Canterbury Park. © Coady Photography

The Minnesota Derby was the fourth consecutive win for Vo Fantastic Aira, who is now four for ten lifetime with $62,286 in career earnings.

Nakia Ramirez returned to Canterbury for the first time this summer to ride in the Festival stakes races. Though her mount in the Futurity, fastest qualifier Sweet Carol Line, was scratched, she made the most of her mount in the Futurity, 14-1 shot Johnee B, who finished just behind the winner in second place.

Johnee B is trained by Randy Weidner for owner and breeder Cindy Besser. The 3-year-old colt is by Separatist, out of Little Miss Hempness, by Mighty Corona.

Johnee B finished fourth in the Minnesota Quarter Horse Futurity last year and competed in the Cam Casby Stakes in his first start of 2020. He was the fifth fastest qualifier to the Derby after finishing fifth in his trial. With one win in 13 starts, Johnee B has now earned $32,662.

Myownersbroke and Nik Goodwin grabbed an early lead out of the gate and lost by a head at the wire to finish in third place. Mark Wilson trains, owns and bred the Bp Phoenix Reign gelding, out of Hit the Throtle, by Donttouchthethrotle.

Myownersbroke broke his maiden in July and was fourth in his trial as the tenth fastest qualifier. The Minnesota Derby was his first stakes appearance; he is now one for ten lifetime with $17,920 earned.

Completing the field were Wicked 6, Beep Beep Zoom Zoom, Jess a Lil Cash, Find a Rider, Favorite Gramma and Kool Attempt. Jazzing Joanna was scratched.