Diodoro looking for more Manitoba Derby glory

Trainer Robertino Diodoro won last year’s $75,000 Manitoba Derby with an unknown $40,000 claim, Sky Promise, who went on to Canadian racing glory. Sky Promise subsequently captured the Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Northlands and Grade 3 B.C. Derby at Hastings, a unique hat trick of stakes that secured him the Sovereign Award for Canadian champion male 3-year-old.

Diodoro entered 5-2 second choice Oil Money and the 10-1 maiden Rocknroll Rocket in Monday’s renewal of the nine-furlong route for 3-year-olds at Assiniboia Downs.

Victorious in 4 of 8 starts, Oil Money figures to lead the way in his first try past 6 1/2 furlongs. His first two wins came in the fall, against maidens at Turf Paradise and in the six-furlong Zia Park Juvenile Stakes.

Oil Money won his season opener in a six-furlong allowance at Turf Paradise. He added blinkers in an easy 6 1/2-length triumph in the six-furlong Golden Boy Stakes most recently June 22 at Assiniboia and has since worked regularly at Canterbury Park.

Rocknroll Rocket has been knocking on the door on turf and dirt at Canterbury, where he finished third in a one-mile maiden special July 12.

The 71st running of the Manitoba Derby lured a field of eight and goes as the seventh and final race. Post time for the first race is 1:45 p.m. Central.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Call It a Wrap, by Finality
Last 3 Beyers: 74-63-60

◗ The 9-5 morning-line favorite ships in from Century Mile, where he finished second as the favorite last time out over a muddy track in the one-mile Count Lathum Handicap. He was previously second there in the six-furlong Western Canada Handicap, a month after running third in his season opener at Hastings.

◗ The stretchout to nine furlongs should be ideal for the Tim Rycroft-trained British Columbia-bred who worked five-eighths in a bullet 58 seconds on July 22 at Century.

Oil Money, by J P’s Gusto
Last 3 Beyers: 79-65-75

◗ The Florida-bred possesses a blend of speed and stamina in his pedigree. A speed-favoring track would bolster his chances.

Moscow Minister, by Power Broker

Last 3 Beyers: 60-74-23

◗ The 3-1 third choice defeated $20,000 claimers over 1 1/16 miles in his penultimate start at Churchill, but is coming off a subpar showing there.

Lifesbeengoodsofar, by Ministers Wildcat
Last 3 Beyers: 64-62-69

◗ The 6-1 shot was a well-beaten second in the Golden Boy. In his most recent route start, he was fourth in a $12,500 claimer at Oaklawn.