Northlands Park: Devil in Disguise the heavy hitter in Canadian Derby

EDMONTON, Alberta – Devil in Disguise will be a heavy favorite when he leaves from post 7 in the Grade 3, $200,000 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park on Saturday. The post positions for the 83rd Canadian Derby were chosen at a brunch held at Northlands on Wednesday. The 1 3/8-mile race drew nine horses.

Trainer Dennis Terry wasn’t that concerned about which post was available when he had to make his decision for Devil in Disguise. Terry won the 1989 Canadian Derby with Havigotadealforu.

“Havigotadealforu won from the 12 hole, so I wasn’t worried about it,” said Terry. “Devil in Disguise is doing extremely well, so I really wasn’t worried what was left when it was my turn.”

Devil in Disguise has been listed as the 7-5 morning-line favorite but will likely go off at a lower price. He dominated his rivals in the Count Lathum in his first start at Northlands and has trained well since. Retaining the mount and adding to his appeal is Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Mario Gutierrez.

Trainer Joan Petrowski went with post 5 for Dougs Buddy, who will likely be the speed of the race. Petrowski also trains Toccetive, who will break from post position 3.

Toccetive rallied to finish second in the Count Lathum. Dougs Buddy, the champion 2-year-old in Alberta last year, chased Devil in Disguise before tiring to finish third.

“I am pleased with their post positions,” said Petrowski. “I wanted the rail for Toccetive, but he’ll be fine from the three hole.”

Petrowski won the 2007 Canadian Derby with Footprint.

Up Jumps a Monster, who hasn’t lost at Northlands Park and is coming off a second-place finish in the $75,000 Manitoba Derby, will leave from post 6. Trained by Rob Chabot, Up Jumps a Monster won the $50,000 Ky Alta at Northlands on July 14. Scott Williams rode him in the Ky Alta and the Manitoba Derby but will be replaced by Rico Walcott in the derby.

Williams, the leading rider at Northlands and the leading apprentice in Canada, will ride Live a Little for trainer Amber Meyaard. Live a Little is coming off a win in one-mile maiden special weight race at Northlands on July 22. He drew post 8.

Shipping in from Woodbine for trainer Reade Baker are Speyside, post 4, and Bear’s Taurus, who will leave from the outside post.

Officer Jones and Clear the Runway round out the field.