Del Cartel and jockey Gonzalo Gutierrez score a determined victory in the $29,000 North Star State Derby on June 18 at Canterbury Park.

© Coady Media

By Emily Paulk, StallioneSearch

SHAKOPEE, MN–JUNE 18, 2026–Del Cartel surged to victory in the $29,000 North Star State Derby at Canterbury Park on Thursday evening, giving owner-breeder Cesar Albino Martinez and trainer Haley Hobbs a stakes triumph in the 400-yard event.

Ridden by Gonzalo Gutierrez, Del Cartel broke sharply and maintained his advantage throughout the stretch to secure the victory. The homebred gelding is sired by Five Bar Cartel and out of the Make It Anywhere mare Make Me A Mojito.

The $13,594 winner's share of the purse increased his earnings to $34,939 while improving his career record to 11 starts with two wins, one second, and one third-place finish.

Del Cartel entered the race with previous stakes credentials, having finished second in last year's North Star State Futurity and qualifying to the Minnesota Futurity final.

Cyber Security finished second under Manuel Americano for owner-breeder Randy Muller and trainer Victor Hanson. The filly chased the winner throughout and held her position to the wire.

Sired by Cyber Monday and out of the Omega Code mare Unafraid, Cyber Security now sports a record of six starts with one runner-up finish and earnings of $8,039.

Sixteen-year-old rider Ryder Olmstead earned another stakes placing when Sophey finished third. Trained by Jason Olmstead for owner-breeder Lunderborg LLC, the filly was forwardly placed throughout the race and stayed on gamely for the show position.

Sophey is by world champion sire FDD Dynasty and out of the Moonin The Eagle mare Sweet Corol Line, a finalist in the Mystic Lake Northlands Futurity. The filly now owns a record of eight starts with two seconds and four thirds while earning $20,899. Her resume also includes a runner-up finish in the Minnesota Futurity and a third-place effort in the North Star State Futurity.

Completing the order of finish were This Eagle Can Rock, Fire In D Sky, Joseys Cartel, Spicy Cartel, and Little White Dove.

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