Attack wins Manitoba Derby after favorite is disqualified
Alberta-based Attack won Monday night’s $125,750 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs after the disqualification of 1-2 favorite Take Charge Tom in the 77th running of the 1 1/8-mile event for 3-year-olds.
Take Charge Tom was gradually angled toward the inside by Rasheed Hughes shortly after the start and clipped heels with 30-1 shot War Is Hell. There was crowding inside of them that involved Attack, who was steadied along with Mr Jaws, while Border Song was checked hard.
Take Charge Tom was pressed by Just Trust Me through quick fractions before assuming command on the far turn en route to a supposed 1 1/4-length score. Attack came from third to finish five lengths clear of third-place finisher Maldini. Mr Jaws, Border Song, Just Trust Me, War Is Hell, and Acknowledge completed the order of finish. The final time was 1:53.93.
There was a stewards’ inquiry and two trainer objections involving Take Charge Tom, who was disqualified and placed seventh.
N’Rico Prescod got a leg up from trainer Craig Smith on Attack, a Kentucky-bred Munnings gelding. He paid $14.50 and earned $76,500 for a partnership that includes Highfield Investment Group, Dialed In Racing Stable, Bruce Appleyard, Jamie Graham, Lucky Diamonds Racing, Smokin Guns Stable, James and Robert Bauder, and John and Leslie O’Neill.
Wagering on the Manitoba Derby was $323,267. The total wagering on the card was $3,974,168, which was a new Manitoba Derby Day record and the second-highest handle in the track’s history.
Over $2 million was bet on Jackpot Pick 5, which was added to a carryover of $465,218. There was a mandatory payout on the 20-cent based wager, which returned $2,469.46.
On the undercard, favored Judo ($7.80) won the $51,500 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile, while second choice Bling Dancer ($6.20) took the $50,750 Escape Clause.
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