An overflow field of 13 has been entered for the Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Century Mile on Saturday, August 20. It is the 93rd edition of the biggest race in western Canada offering a purse of $200,000 and a free berth to the winner to Woodbine’s Ontario Derby (G3) in October. The 1 1/4 mile race has lured 13 entries including one also eligible.
Trainer Robertino Diodoro, who is originally from Calgary, Alberta, has two favourites in the field as he seeks his fourth victory in the Derby. Diodoro, who lives in Arkansas and is one of North America’s top trainers, will send out 3-to-1 morning line favourite RED KNOBS (Union Rags), who won the Manitoba Derby on Aug. 1 at Assiniboia Downs with an 81 Beyer Speed Figure. Jorge Carreno will ride the 3-year-old colt who is owned by Rob Nokes, Sr. and Rob Nokes.
GREAT ESCAPE, a 6-to-1 shot, lines up beside Red Knobs (post 2) in post three was the pacesetter in the Manitoba Derby and finished second with Rico Walcott on board. The Midnight Storm sophomore is owned by Rick and Clayton Wiest and Arnold Bennewith.
Second favourite SOARINGFORTHESUN is trained by Edgar Mendoza for David and Sylva Gregory and he is a BC-bred in from Hastings Racecourse off a win in the Sir Winston Churchill. The son of Sungold has won three of his six races and he will be ridden by Amadeo Perez.
The Derby’s early third favourite at 5-to-1 is GUNFIGHTER, who comes in from Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver for trainer John Snow and owned by Gordon Christoff. Gunfighter, by Ghostzapper, was second in both the Chris Loseth and Sir Winston Churchill Stakes and he was a maiden winner at Fair Grounds in January. Antonio Reyes rides.
The Canadian Derby is race 10 on an 11-race card that begins at 3:45 MT (5:45 ET).
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