Academic conquers males in British Columbia Derby

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Academic put her name in the conversation for a Sovereign Award as Horse of the Year in Canada with a win in the Grade 3, $250,000 British Columbia Derby at Hastings on Sunday. She paid $2.90 for her gutsy win over Bluegrass Angus.

Academic won the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks, the Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park, and solidified her status as the top 3-year-old filly in Canada when, despite a rough trip, she edged Bluegrass Angus by a neck in the 1 1/8-mile race in Vancouver.

The Tim Rycroft-trained Academic, ridden by Justin Stein, did not look comfortable being pinned down on the rail by Purple Heaven until he dropped out of the race on the stretch turn. It looked like Bluegrass Angus, who set moderate fractions, was home and cooled out when he opened up a clear lead midstretch. However, he couldn’t hold off the strong late move from Academic. Blue Dancer, who had a perfect trip stalking Bluegrass Angus, finished third.

“She did not like getting dirt thrown in her face,” said Stein. “I was just hoping for a place to go with her and when the horse outside of us dropped back she took off. She overcame a lot of adversity and she really showed a lot of heart.”

“I wasn’t thinking good things on the stretch turn,” said Rycroft. “I thought it looked hopeless. She was in a lot of trouble from the get-go. She’s a bit claustrophobic and I think she is a better horse outside of horses. For her to win with the trip she had was pretty special.”

The final time was 1:50.33.

Academic is owned by Danny Dion (Bear Stable LTD) and Riversedge Stables Ltd. Earlier, Riversedge and Rycroft teamed up to win the $100,000 British Columbia Oaks with Hero’s Amor.