Miss Derek an enigma heading into Strawberry Morn Stakes

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Craig MacPherson is still trying to figure out the mystery of the very talented but unpredictable Miss Derek. The 4-year-old filly will likely make her first start of the year in the $50,000 Strawberry Morn Stakes for fillies and mares on Victoria Day, May 19, at Hastings Racecourse.

“I was hoping she would have matured over the winter, but she’s still a work in progress,” said MacPherson.

Following her impressive win in the $50,000 Hong Kong Jockey Club Handicap, Miss Derek went into last year’s $100,000 British Columbia Oaks as a clear favorite. In the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Miss Derek appeared completely relaxed when she settled into a stalking position.

After getting her cue from rider Enrique Gonzalez, she made a strong move in the stretch to beat I Think So by a widening 1 1/2 lengths. MacPherson was hoping she would run the same kind of race in the Oaks. However, she broke on top, and fighting Gonzalez all the way, she set a blistering pace before tiring to finish third.

Prior to her win in the Hong Kong Jockey Club, she was also rank in the Supernaturel Stakes. She had horses in front of her, though, and Gonzalez did everything he could to avoid running over others. After she dropped back to sixth on the stretch turn, she somehow rallied to win the race.

Miss Derek closed out her 3-year-old campaign with a disappointing effort in the Grade 3 Ballerina Stakes, finishing ninth. MacPherson isn’t sure what to expect when she runs in the 6 1/2-furlong Strawberry Morn.

“She was probably a bit over the top by the time she got to the Ballerina, but she has trained well this spring,” said MacPherson. “How she will behave is a different story. She has a mind of her own. Sometimes in the mornings, she’s perfect. Other times, she’s a handful.”

Richard Hamel will ride her for the first time in the Strawberry Morn, and he’s been trying to get a feel for her in the mornings.

“We’ve been having Richard gallop her to try and get to know her on a daily basis and see what she likes and what she doesn’t,” said MacPherson. “Hopefully, it will pay off.”

There should be plenty of other speed in the Strawberry Morn, and MacPherson is hoping Miss Derek doesn’t get involved in what should be a hot pace.

“It would be nice if she could get covered up early,” he said. “She really wants to go long, so it’s just a race to get her started. Hopefully, she and I will both learn something from the race.”

Shrug returns in Longden 6000

Trainer Dino Condilenios is looking forward to running Shrug in the $50,000 John Longden 6000. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up is the same day as the Strawberry Morn.

According to Condilenios, Shrug missed the opening day George Royal Stakes due to a minor problem with his feet.

“It cost him a couple of weeks of training, and I just couldn’t get him there,” said Condilenios. “He’s doing great now. I plan to work him this weekend, and if all goes well, he’ll run in the Longden.”

Last year, Shrug won the George Royal and the Sir Winston Churchill Stakes, handing Grade 3 Longacres Mile winner Herbie D his only loss of the year.

The horse to beat in the Longden is Title Contender, who was impressive winning the George Royal in his first start as a 4-year-old. Last year, Title Contender won the Grade 3 British Columbia Derby and finished second to Commander in the Grade 3 Premiers Stakes for 3-year-olds and up. He’s trained by Anita Bolton.

“I know Anita’s horse is tough, but Shrug beat Herbie D, so he should give Title Contender a run for his money,” said Condilenios.