Trainer Francisco Bravo Sweeps Canterbury Stakes with Texas- and Oklahoma-breds

Trainer Francisco Bravo had a big day at Canterbury Park on Sunday as he captured both overnight stakes on the card.

Trainer Francisco Bravo (far right) accepts the trophy for the L’Etoile du Nord Stakes at Canterbury Park (Photo from Canterbury Press Box Twitter)
Trainer Francisco Bravo (far right) accepts the trophy for the L’Etoile du Nord Stakes at Canterbury Park (Photo from Canterbury Press Box Twitter)

In the $41,000 L’Etoile du Nord Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, Bravo saddled Oklahoma-bred River Jewel to a one-length victory as the 4-5 favorite. Owned by Scattered Acres LLC and ridden by Dean Butler, the daughter of Indy Express ran six furlongs in 1:10.44.

The filly was bred by Robert Wayne Garrett and picked up her second win in three starts. She debuted at Sam Houston Race Park with a victory against maiden company in March and then finished second in a Lone Star Park allowance. Her earnings now stand at $40,120.

He's So Zazzy wins the Paul Bunyan Stakes (Photo by Coady Photography)
He’s So Zazzy wins the Paul Bunyan Stakes (Photo by Coady Photography)

Bravo struck again in the $41,400 Paul Bunyan Stakes for colts and geldings with Texas-bred He’s So Zazzy. Ridden by Geovanni Franco for breeder and owner Pam Wright, He’s So Zazzy drew clear to a 6 ¼-length win in a quick 1:09.20.

This marked the third straight win for He’s So Zazzy, who in February scored maiden and allowance wins at Sam Houston. He’s So Zazzy, an earner of $51,674, is a son of the late stallion Oratory, a leading sire in both Oklahoma and Texas.