Koffee Grinder stays focused on B.C. Derby

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Koffee Grinder confirmed his status as the top 3-year-old in Canada west of Ontario with an easy five-length win over Off the Top in the $50,000 B.C. Cup Stellar’s Jay last Monday. The Stellar’s Jay was one of seven stakes on the 10-race card, and Koffee Grinder easily was the most impressive winner on the day.

Despite a race that probably didn’t tax the horse, trainer Craig MacPherson didn’t have any trouble resisting the temptation to bring him back Aug. 16 in the Grade 3, $200,000 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park.

“I have had plenty of calls from Northlands, but our main goal all along has been the B.C. Derby, and it would seem like a bit too much to ship him to Edmonton, have him run a mile and three-eighths, and be able to have him on top of his game for the B.C. Derby.”

The Grade 3, $150,000 British Columbia Derby is scheduled for Sept. 14.

Koffee Grinder received an 88 Beyer Speed Figure, which was not only his career best, but it eclipsed the 83 Beyer that Wilo Kat received for his win in the $75,000 B.C. Cup Classic for 3-year-olds and up and the 87 that last year’s B.C. Derby winner, Title Contender, earned for winning the Dave Forster Hall of Fame sprint. The $32,000 Hall of Fame was the only stakes race on the card that wasn’t restricted to B.C.-breds.

“What’s beautiful about him is that he’s been winning his races without appearing to be all out,” said MacPherson. “I’m pretty sure he has a few more gears to go to if he needs to.”

Koffee Grinder is owned by his breeders, Butch and Renata Goertzen. Butch Goertzen also bred and raced Krazy Koffee, who won the 2008 B.C. Derby.

“It is a lot of fun training for them,” said MacPherson. “Every time he runs, they bring about 40 to 50 people to the track, and it is a big party. They are obviously having a great time with him, and hopefully the fun will continue.”

According to MacPherson, the next party for the Goertzens will be Aug. 22, when Koffee Grinder will be heavily favored to win the $50,000 Richmond Derby Trial.

Title Contender targets Longacres

Trainer Anita Bolton was pleased with how Title Contender came back from his win over Twist Grips in the Dave Forster, and if he continues to thrive, he will make his next start Aug. 24 in the Grade 3, $200,000 Longacres Mile. He will need a new exercise rider, though. Drew Levere, who has been galloping and working Title Contender all year, fractured a leg when he was exercising Title Contender last week.

“Title Contender, who is like a cat, was galloping beautifully when he ducked in from a horse that was backtracking,” said Bolton. “Drew did everything he could to stay on him, and he did, but he broke his leg in the process. It was a pretty heroic effort.”

Kai’s Command dies

What should have been a joyful time for trainer Jodi Rawson ended in tragedy when Kai’s Command died from unknown causes Wednesday morning. Kai’s Command won the second leg of the Starters Champion Series on Sunday and clearly was the favorite for the $50,000 final, which will be part of the B.C. Derby card Sept. 14.

“When we went to feed the horses after the races Monday, he just didn’t seem right,” said Rawson. “We’re really not sure what caused it, but he battled right to the end.”

Kai’s Command won all five of his starts this year and compiled a 7-1-0 record from 13 starts for earnings of $58,974.