The BC Derby – Grade III
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $150.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st Unbridled Passion Mb Stables Gonzalez E A

In his last race this son of Neon Wolf won an optional claimer in a race time almost a second quicker than this grade three, i guess that says a lot about the difficulty in placing horses here at HRP. I think the tale of this ones record comes in the state of the tracks it has run on this year. Four races on off tracks for one maiden win and two runs on a fast track resulting in two wins from two including today’s grade three, I guess we can say he is better on a firm footing.
Tracking in behind today the key was he didn’t get too far behind and i like the way he quickened off a slow pace which is virtually impossible at HRP suggesting to me that he hasn’t stopped winning graded races yet.

2nd Sky Dust Nakamura Stables Asencio J M

Back on dirt it looked like this gelding had got it right going onto the speed in a slow run race and leading by a length with a furlong to run. The final furlong however proved too much for the outside speed push and though he fought on he could not hold the winners finish. His last two starts have been pretty solid and i would have thought there is some black type in his near future.

3rd Sexy Back Night Rider Stables Reyes A A

Kept on at the one pace in the end for third and this stable continues to throw these types into these races and get success. The jury is still out as to what trip he prefers but i really don’t think it matters too much at HRP so keep an eye on him if he goes back to statebred racing next time at whatever distance.

4th Set In Space Nakamura Stables Sarmiento R

Stalked the slow pace but just whacked away in the run to the line. This is a little disappointing for an offspring of the great Cherokee Sunset and i just wonder whether the trainer has really got a handle on him yet.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES