Double Shuffle overtakes True Metropolitan

Double Shuffle reeled in a loose-on-the-lead True Metropolitan and drew off to a 1 1/2- length victory in Saturday night’s $30,000 R.J. Speers at Assiniboia Downs.

Piloted by Vicky Baze in the 1 1/16-mile stakes for 3-year-olds and upward, Double Shuffle was recording his third win in as many local appearances for trainer Robertino Diodoro and returned $7.20 as the second choice.

True Metropolitan, a two-time Canadian champion older horse and winner of more than $1.2 million, made all the pace and had a clear lead into the stretch but could not hold off the winner while finishing second as the odds-on favorite.

Catmantoo ended third in the field of eight.

Double Shuffle, a Florida-bred 4-year-old gelding, had won the one-mile Wheat City in his last start for owners Don Mazepa and Darryl Paranica.