Minecraft Maniac took the lead in the stretch and cruised to a one-length victory in the Governor Terry E. Branstad Stakes at Prairie Meadows Sept. 2.
It was the first Stakes win for the four-year-old gelding by Midshipman, who improved his record to five wins and four third-place finishes in 13 starts.
Minecraft Maniac broke alertly and settled into second, content to stalk Tin Badge through the early stages of the race. As the field entered the homestretch, the chestnut gelding overtook Tin Badge and drew off, eventually crossing the wire to win by a length.
Minecraft Maniac was bred in Iowa by his owner, Warren L. Bush. He is out of the Officer mare Our Sweet Mary B, and is a half-brother to Multiple Stakes winner, Hot Shot Kid.
In addition to Minecraft Maniac, Midshipman is the sire of 2019 Stakes winners Mr Vargas, winner of the G3 Green Flash Stakes; Tweet, winner of the G1 Grande Premio Joao Cecilio Ferraz in Brazil; Old Shipman (G3 Grande Premio Presidente Augusto de Souza Queiroz in Brazil); Princess Warrior (Latonia Stakes); Big Changes (Sunshine Millions Turf) and Is Too (Louisiana Cup Distaff).
