Albarino to ship in for derby

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Nominations have closed for the $100,000 Manitoba Lotteries Derby on Aug. 2, and Shanghied, perfect in three starts here including two stakes, heads the local contingent.

Albarino, owned and bred by Ross McKague of Brandon, Manitoba, is scheduled to arrive by van from Woodbine on Wednesday night. Trained by former Assiniboia Downs trainer Sandy McPherson, Albarino defeated maiden special company at Woodbine in his most recent start, his first trip around two turns.

Other derby nominees of interest include Korbyn Gold and Plum Red.

The Steve Asmussen-trained Korbyn Gold was a stakes winner at Lone Star and Arlington as a 2-year-old.

Canterbury Park-based trainer Doug Oliver, who won last year's Manitoba Derby with Hero's Pleasure, has nominated Plum Red.

All of the derby probables will be attempting the 1 1/8-mile distance for the first time.

Manitoba Derby Day, which is the highlight of the meeting, will also feature the Wheat City, Jack Hardy, and Winnipeg Futurity, all worth $40,000.

Iwoodificould will be looking to go 4 for 4 at Assiniboia Downs in the one-mile Wheat City for 3-year-olds and upward.

Possible opposition to Iwoodificould includes former Roger Attfield trainee Indy Lead, who worked four furlongs in 48.80 seconds here last Monday, and the Scott Lake-trained Satan's Code.

Ghostly Gate, winner of last year's Winnipeg Futurity, heads the list of nominees to the one-mile Jack Hardy for 3-year-old fillies. Also nominated is Ericka's Lass, who will be looking for her third stakes victory this year.

Smoke Smoke Smoke, winner of the Canterbury Park Juvenile, tops the list of nominees to the six-furlong Winnipeg Futurity.

* Pete's Surprise and Remiewaterbluz will likely meet again in Saturday's $40,000 Winnipeg Sun, a 1 1/16-mile stakes for fillies and mares.

* Jockey Sam Shirley has been suspended from July 22 to Aug. 25, a total of 35 days, for a positive drug test.