Bluegrass Angus delivers in Richmond Derby Trial

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Bluegrass Angus established himself as the local favorite for the $250,000, Grade 3 British Columbia Derby on Sept. 13 with a convincing win in the $50,000 Richmond Derby Trial at Hastings on Friday evening.

He was sent off as the prohibitive favorite in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and didn’t disappoint with a two-length decision over longshot Don’t Hold Me Back. He paid $2.70.

With Richard Hamel aboard, Bluegrass Angus broke sharply and set moderate fractions of 23.96 and 47.91 seconds. He got some pressure from Aditya at the six-furlong mark but never looked like he would lose. Don’t Hold Me Back rallied from last in the five-horse field to edge Aditya by a nose for second.

It was Bluegrass Angus’s first start since he won the Chris Loseth Handicap on July 1.

“He was very sharp coming off the layoff,” said Hamel. “It was everything I could do to keep him going that slow during the early stages of the race. He kicked on well at the end, and that should be a good prep for him going into the Derby.”

Brass and Gold wins B.C. Cup Classic

Trained by Craig MacPherson and owned by Copper Water Thoroughbred Co., Bluegrass Angus posted a final time of 1:44.95 over a track rated fast.

Brass and Gold capped the eight-race card that included six stakes with a 2 3/4-length win over the favored Herbie D in the $50,000 British Columbia Cup Classic for 3-year-olds and up. He paid $6.10.

Pedro Alvarado had Brass and Gold in a stalking position early while Herbie D was trying to relax behind Cowie Creek, who set honest fractions of 23:35 and 46.84 seconds in the 1 1/8-mile race that drew six horses. Herbie D took the lead briefly between the six-furlong and one-mile calls but was quickly joined by Brass and Gold, who took command at the top of the stretch. Wilo Kat made his usual late move to get up for third.

The final time was 1:51.17.

Brass and Gold, owned by Russell and Lois Bennett, was winning his second B.C. Cup Classic for trainer Barbara Heads. His first came in 2013.

Earlier on the card, Heads won the first race with Touching Promise, who paid $6.70 for her neck win over Locket, who was favored in the $50,000 B.C. Cup Distaff. She was ridden by Amadeo Perez, who used her good tactical speed to press Dawselina early in the 1 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares.

The final time was 1:51.10.

Stanz in Command takes New Westminster

Stanz in Command remained undefeated in the $50,000 New Westminster. He paid $6.70, which was the highest win price on a night dominated by favorites. Stanz in Command won his debut in the B.C. Cup Nursery for trainer Charlene Miller and was surprisingly sent off as the second choice in the wagering in the New Westminster behind Fear of the Cat, who finished third. Dashing Don forced the pace and gave way grudgingly in late stretch.

Stanz in Command was ridden by David Lopez. The final time for 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:19.30.

C U At Eau Claire posted a faster final time, 1:18.62, one race later when she won the $50,000 Hard Rock Casino Vancouver for 2-year-old fillies. She paid $3.90 as a solid favorite over Snuggles, who rallied to finish second.

C U At Eau Claire broke sharply with Hamel aboard, and after putting away Our Bonita Rose, she drew off to win by 3 1/4 lengths. She is trained by Greg Tracy.

Morning Coffee wins Hong Kong Jockey Club

Morning Coffee won her second straight stakes at Hastings for trainer Rosann Anderson and paid $2.60 for her 2 1/4-length win over Sailingforthesun in the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old fillies is the final prep for the $100,000 British Columbia Oaks, which will be part of the stakes-rich B.C. Derby card.

With Pedro Alvarado riding, Morning Coffee posted a modest final time of 1:46.23.