Saturday Previews
Three-year-olds get the chance to shine today, with two important Stakes races that will go some way to deciding the Classic-generation pecking order ahead of the BC Derby and Oaks
C C SUNRISE makes a rapid turnaround after finishing a close-up third just a week ago and a repeat of that, or either of her previous starts this year, could be enough. AMANDA makes her first start for new connections since being claimed and returns to sprinting after making up lots of ground to finish third behind Ostracize over the long course last time, while TEXAS LEGACY goes for a third consecutive win and shouldn’t be too far away again.
AVANA looked like a star in the making when winning the River Rock Casino Stakes last month. Moving smoothly from the rear, she scooted around her opponents like a filly who has several gears and, eased down close-home, still had eight lengths in hand of LONIE MO and Viva La Diva. She didn’t appear to be stopping and should appreciate the step-up in distance and is clearly the one they’ll have to beat. VIVA LA DIVA should also be a different proposition over this distance and will take advantage of any stamina limitations Avana may have. DONNA WYN makes her first ever attempt at the mile-and-sixteenth course and it will be interesting to see how she gets on, especially as she is a half-sister to BC Oaks winner, Above Average.
READY HERO looked full of running when squeezed for room by PADDY D’ORO last time and was forced to steady by his rider. In the circumstances, he did very well to get going again and run-on into third before, ultimately, being placed second by the stewards. He could be the answer here if he can find a clear passage, although there’s probably not much between him and Paddy d’Oro. JOCK TALK got stuck out wide when challenging on the home turn last time and could be a lot closer today if taking a more direct route home.
FRANKIE MACHINE continues to be a magnificent servant to his connections. He arrived late on the scene with a ‘wet sail’ when winning two weeks ago and, having hit the board in all four runs this year, clearly remains in great form. FORT LANGLEY made a bold move on the far turn last time and it would have paid off if not for the stalking FAMILY BIZ who, sitting off a good strong pace, caught his rabbit mid-stretch. Both have solid claims again today.
AUGUST RAIN had VECTOR, MONEYSHOT, DIOCLES and WESTMINSTER behind him in last month’s Ross McLeod Stakes, and he remains the one they’ll need to beat if they are going to take this important B.C. Derby trial. The only obvious hard-luck story that day was WESTMINSTER, whose momentum was stopped when challenging for a position on the back side and was forced to switch and come around horses, ending his chances in the process. He looks as though the distance will suit him and he remains a horse with lots of potential. CLASSY CITY ships in from Century Mile after a winning last month’s Western Canada Handicap and has enough useful form from Golden Gate to suggest he represents a clear and present danger to the home team. Maiden winner SHOCK THE HOUSE will need progress again but there was much to like about his win and he’s another who should be suited by the additional real estate he encounters this afternoon.
SELF SERVING began his challenge from somewhere near the Ironworkers’ Bridge last time and did extremely well to finish fourth in the circumstances. If he can remain in slightly closer contention early, a repeat of that effort would see him go very close here. EYE BE SEEING YOU doesn’t know how to run a bad race. He was another closing in rapidly when going down by a length in Self Serving’s race and he is an obvious candidate for the winner’s circle here. BABY GRAND pinged out of the gate and led them all a merry dance for quite some way in the same race, only weakening late in what was just his second outing of the season. He won in slightly tougher company a year ago and can’t be overlooked.
Lisa & Mike’s Saturday Selections
Statistics
Assiniboia Quarantine Forces Derby Series Change
July 4, 2024 - The Manitoba Derby has been removed from the Western Canada Derby Series due to the continued federal quarantine of the backstretch barn area of Assiniboia Downs.
As a result, the series, which previously comprised the $125,000 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs, the $200,000 Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Century Mile racetrack in Edmonton and the $125,000 Grade 3 B.C. Derby at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, has been revised.
A mid-June discovery of equine infectious anemia (EIA), that infected one horse at Assiniboia Downs, triggered the quarantine by the Canadian Food & Inspection Agency (CFIA). Though every horse in the barn area subsequently tested negative, a 45 day quarantine of the area was imposed and will continue until the entire equine inventory is tested again. A continued negative result will ultimately lift the quarantine.
“The second and final coggins testing is currently scheduled for Monday, July 29 with results proposed to be released on Friday, August 2. Entry date for the $125,000 Manitoba Derby is Thursday, August 1. As there is not certainty to the results, date of release of that information, and the lifting of the current quarantine, it is only responsible to remove our race from the series this year and adjust the bonus opportunities,” said Assiniboia Downs CEO Darren Dunn.
He continued: “We are still hopeful that entries for the Manitoba Derby will be strong, but we have to acknowledge that in the unlikely scenario of another horse testing positive for EIA or any delay in the removal of the quarantine, that access to the backstretch for horses not already on the property will be denied.”
The removal of the Manitoba Derby will now see the series reduced to the Canadian and B.C. Derbies and as such the previous $100,000 three-leg sweep opportunity has also been discontinued.
However, the $25,000 Owner/Trainer Point System Bonus will remain in place.
“Though we are understandably disappointed by the unfortunate absence of the Manitoba Derby and how it has affected our series, all parties agreed that it was important to still recognize and reward the valued owners and trainers who will compete in the remaining two races with the participation and results-based bonus system that was initially offered,” explained Mike Vanin, Manager/Executive Director of the Alberta H.B.P.A.
Join the Hastings Posse at This Year’s Canadian Derby!
WYN Racing’s Chris Ceraldi has secured a private track-side cabana for this year’s Canadian Derby at Century Mile on August 24 and is opening the guest list!
Number are limited, so if you fancy an entertaining afternoon at the 95th running of the prestigious Canadian Derby, won last year by the Hastings’ team of Peter Redekop, Barabara Anderson-Heads and Amadeo Perez with ABELIEFINTHISLIVIN, and with WYN Racing’s ACCIDENTAL HERO a brave third, please reach out to Chris to reserve your spot.
Tickets are priced at $200 per person and the package includes:
A fabulous view open view of the track from you private area along the rail
Shaded seating
Private Bar
Hard flooring
VIP Buffet Dinner
Complimentary racing program
Free $5 Slot Play - After the races with your wristband!
Chris can be reached via email: chris@aarc-west.com