Marquis: Saskatchewan Derby

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - Ice Jamer's bid to remain undefeated this season will be put to the test in the $15,000 Saskatchewan Derby at Marquis Downs.

Trained by Bob Barr, who co-owns the likely favorite with Vern Dyck, Ice Jamer is 4 for 4 in 2001 and will face just one ship-in for this 1 1/16-mile feature for 3-year-olds.

This is the first time in recent memory that no Albertan runners have appeared in the Saskatchewan Derby. Brass Ruhler, the lone invader, is locally owned and was a stakes winner at 2 here last year.

Ice Jamer was the province's top 2-year-old based on his wins in the CTHS Sales Stakes and the Prairie Lily Sales Stakes. This year, he has been victorious in the Marquis Cup, the Saskatoon Handicap, and two allowance races and has never been behind a rival at any call while winning by a combined margin of 15 3/4 lengths.

Brass Ruhler defeated Ice Jamer in the Marquis Graduate, last year's final stakes for juvenile males, to become a stakes winner for owner Orest Krushelniski.

This year, Brass Ruhler has campaigned at Assiniboia Downs with some success. A winner once in five starts there, Brass Ruhler has finished third three times and most recently was a tiring fourth in the Derby Trial at 8 1/2 furlongs.

Serge Rocheleau rides for trainer Carl Anderson.

Red Vil Do, the only filly in the race, became a stakes winner here via disqualification last Sunday in the Classic Handicap. Rock Stevens will ride Red Vil Do, who will carry 121 pounds and receive five pounds from her male rivals.