Assiniboia: Hero's Pleasure in upset

Hero's Pleasure capped a big day for Canterbury Park invaders Monday, rallying furiously down the stretch to snatch victory from the front-running Taiaslew in the 1 1/8-mile Manitoba Derby.

Taiaslew, the even-money favorite who was seeking his fifth win in as many starts this year, led through fractions of 22.80 seconds, 46.80, and 1:12.40 and opened up a seemingly insurmountable lead into the stretch.

But Hero's Pleasure, ridden by Scott Stevens, took dead aim on the leader through the final furlong and was up in time to prevail by three-quarters of a length in 1:53.40.

Taiaslew, who had dominated his opposition in Alberta before shipping here to romp in the Derby Trial, was tiring badly but easily held second.

Ontario-based Pants N Kisses, the 2-1 second choice, closed for third money, with Fancy Bru ending fourth in the field of 10.

Hero's Pleasure, owned by Jean Duke and trained by Doug Oliver, earned a winner's share of $60,000, more than doubling his previous career total of $52,667.

A Kentucky-bred colt by Sea Hero, Hero's Pleasure returned $18 as the fourth choice in the 55th running of the Grade 3 stakes.

* Canterbury Park shippers owned by Jer Mar Stable, trained by Michael Biehler, and ridden by Derek Bell took two of the three stakes on the undercard.

Ghostly Gate, a maiden and the only filly in the field of five, upset favored Ontario invader Truth Serum in the $40,000 Winnipeg Futurity and Jo Me the Money held off Callies Remark in the $35,000 Jack Hardy.

Locally based Deputy Country, trained by Carl Anderson and ridden by Ken Hendricks, captured the $35,000 Wheat City.