Oil Money takes them all the way in Manitoba Derby

The heavily favored Oil Money set a dawdling pace and never looked back to take the $75,000 Manitoba Derby under Orlando Mojica on holiday Monday at Assiniboia Downs.

In his first start over a route of ground, Oil Money opened up a three-length lead while full of run early. He proceeded to set fractions of 24.20 seconds, 49.80, and 1:15.20 in the 1 1/8-mile event for 3-year-olds.

Oil Money was chased by the Alberta shipper Call It a Wrap and Flinch on the far turn, but was never seriously threatened. He prevailed by four lengths over Call It a Wrap in a time of 1:54.60 over the fast track.

The maiden Rocknroll Rocket closed late to give trainer Robertino Diodoro the first and third-place finishers in the 71st running of the historic race.

Diodoro won last year’s Manitoba Derby with Sky Promise, who went on to capture the Grade 3 Canadian Derby and Grade 3 B.C. Derby, along with Canadian male champion 3-year-old honors.

Oil Money ($3), a Florida-bred son of J P’s Gusto, earned $45,900 for owner Charles Garvey.