'Dreamin' pulls clear in derby

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Celtic Dreamin had a perfect trip Sunday to easily win the $263,780 British Columbia Breeders' Cup Derby by 5 1/2 lengths over Gandolf at Hastings. Sent off as the second choice, Celtic Dreamin paid $8.50 to win.

Breaking sharply under Gerry Olguin, Celtic Dreamin stalked a moderate pace for the first six furlongs before he opened up a clear lead going around the stretch turn. With the 6-5 favorite Sir Gallovic forced to check sharply when he tried to get through along the rail at the quarter pole, Celtic Dreamin wasn't under any pressure as he widened his margin through the stretch. After getting stopped, Sir Gallovic gathered himself and made a strong move to finish third.

Celtic Dreamin is trained by Rafael Becerra.

* True Metropolitan ($3.10) cruised to a six-length win over Winter Warning in the $50,615 Sir Winston Churchill Stakes.

BC Oaks: Alpine Garden scores

Alpine Garden ($4.90) wrapped up local divisional honors Saturday with a 1 3/4-length win over Pat of Gold in the Grade 3, $142,320 British Columbia Breeders' Cup Oaks.

Under a confident ride by Quincy Welch, Alpine Garden stalked the early pace set by Deadly Zone, took control of the race approaching the quarter pole, and was never threatened.

* Monashee ($2.80) carried 130 pounds while coasting to an easy win in the $50,000 Delta Colleen for fillies and mares. It was the 10th straight stakes win for Monashee.