Danzip tops Colorado Derby

Danzip has passed every test since he launched his racing career in January. Undefeated in five starts, he is a winner at one turn and two and will be seeking his fourth stakes victory of the Arapahoe Park meet Sunday when he moves back into open company for the $30,000 Colorado Derby.

The 1 1/16-mile race drew a field of eight and will share a program with the $38,415 Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders Association Lassie as well as two rich stakes for Quarter Horses.

Danzip, who began his career in a $20,000 maiden claiming race at Turf Paradise on Jan. 31, has quickly climbed the class ladder. He took a first-level allowance at Turf Paradise one start later, on March 12, then came to Arapahoe in his home state of Colorado. Upon his arrival, Danzip won the $30,000 Inaugural against open-company 3-year-olds on May 30, the $39,000 Aspen against older statebred sprinters on June 19, and the $35,000 CTBA Derby for statebreds in his two-turn debut July 3.

Danzip led throughout in the CTBA Derby, at 1 1/16 miles and again looks like the controlling speed of the Colorado Derby. Russell Vicchrilli has the mount for trainer Doug Grinolds.

The chief threat could be E F Five, who finished 1 1/4 lengths back in second in the CTBA Derby.

The CTBA Lassie for 2-year-old statebred fillies at six furlongs looks like a matchup between debut winners Sweet Dixie Van and Class Trans Action.

The Grade 3, $123,395 Rocky Mountain Futurity for 2-year-old Quarter Horses at 350 yards is led by dominant trial winner I Cant Seek Jack.