Hilton's Cherokee wins maiden in Assiniboia stakes

Hilton's Cherokee ($4.90), making his local and seasonal bow and his first start for trainer Emile Corbel, thrust himself into the Manitoba Derby picture by recording his first lifetime win in Saturday's $30,000 Harry Jeffrey at Assiniboia Downs.

The Harry Jeffrey, a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds, is the major local prep for the Manitoba Derby, a 1 1/8-mile race which will be run on Aug. 3.

Hilton's Cherokee, ridden by Alan Cuthbertson, stalked the pace before moving to the lead on the first turn and then going on to score by 1 3/4 lengths.

Morsel, the only filly in the field of five, finished second, 7 1/2 lengths before Storm Ranger with the slight favorite Secret Officer and Hasty Prince completing the order of finish.

Theglow, the 6-5 morning line favorite, was scratched.

Hilton's Cherokee was unplaced in his only two starts last year, the first at Keeneland for trainer Larry Lay and the second at Woodbine for Red Johnson.

A Kentucky-bred 3-year-old colt, Hilton's Cherokee is owned by K-Five Stable.