Fancy As tops Canadian Derby

EDMONTON, Alberta - Eastern Canadian invader Stage Classic looks to add another western derby to his laurels when he faces six foes in the Canadian Derby at Northlands Park on Saturday. The Grade 3 Canadian Derby, at 1 3/8 miles, is worth $150,000.

Woodbine-based Stage Classic, winner of the Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs on Aug. 6, will be ridden by Constant Montpellier

Seeking revenge for his three-quarters of a length defeat in the Manitoba Derby is Fancy As, who is unbeaten in Alberta. The winner of four stakes this season, including the Alberta Derby for trainer and co-owner Red Smith, Fancy As has the services of his regular jockey, Richard Hamel.

Edmonton entrepreneur and horse owner Cam Allard goes for a third victory in the Canadian Derby. Allard won with Cozzy Grey in 1993 and A Fleets Dancer in 1998. Now, along with co-owners Don Danard and Jim Moroz, his hopeful is Krakow, who won his maiden at a mile on the turf at Woodbine in his last start.

Invading from British Columbia is Thurston, trained by Harold Barroby. Thurston, ridden by Pedro Alvarado, is coming off a third-place finish in a B.C. Cup Stallion stakes at Hastings Park.