Hastings: Herbie D. dominates Derby Bar and Grill Express

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Herbie D. was sent off as a prohibitive favorite in the $50,000 Derby Bar and Grill Express at Hastings on Monday and he didn’t disappoint as he cruised to an easy 2 3/4-length win over Stormy Canuck. He paid $2.60 for his dominating win in the six-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up.

With leading rider Amadeo Perez aboard, Herbie D. dueled with Time Machine through moderate fractions of 22.46 and 45.41 seconds before taking control of the race on the stretch turn. He held a one-length lead over Time Machine and was under a steady hand ride while increasing his margin through the stretch. Stormy Canuck rallied to finish four lengths clear of Dollarwaitonadime.

The final time was 1:11.63.

Trained by Robert Gilker, Herbie D. has won all three of his starts since he underwent surgery to repair a torn suspensory last winter.

Overvalued paid $7.20 as the lukewarm favorite over Burnin Britches and Claresmiezie in the Derby Bar and Grill Ladies Express.

Ridden by Enrique Gonzalez, Overvalued dueled with Claresmieze for five furlongs before she asserted herself at the top of the stretch while drawing off to win by 2 ¼ lengths. Claresmiezie finished second but drifted out while tiring late and interfered with Cry Cry Cry, who was making a late move. The stewards disqualified Claresmiezie to third and moved Cry Cry Cry up to second.

The final time for the six furlongs was 1:11.61.

Overvalued is trained by Tracy McCarthy and owned by Canmor Farms. It was the fourth stakes win of Overvalued’s career and brought her earnings to $196,800.

The race was marred when Burnin Britches broke down going down the back stretch. According to track officials she was euthanized after the race.