Opportunistic the class of Derby Trial

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Opportunistic will be tough to beat at a short price in the $50,000 Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trial Handicap at Hastings on Monday. The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds is the final prep for the Grade 3, $150,000 British Columbia Derby on Sept. 10.

The Derby Trial drew eight horses and goes as race 6. Post time for the first of seven races is 5 p.m. Pacific.

Opportunistic punched his ticket to the Derby with a game win over Barkley in the $75,000 Emerald Downs Derby on July 31. He was already on the path to the most prestigious race at Hastings when he won the $50,000 Chris Loseth in his first start here for trainer Troy Taylor on July 1.

Racing for trainer Michael Puhich at Emerald, he hooked up with the previously undefeated Barkley at the eighth pole, and they engaged in a thrilling stretch duel in the 1 1/8-mile race, with Opportunistic getting the nod at the wire.

Owner Glen Todd said he came out of the race in excellent shape.

“He was just bouncing and kicking at the test barn,” said Todd, who owns Opportunistic in partnership with Mark Dedomenico. “He’s been training very well since he returned to Hastings.”

Opportunistic drew post 2, with David Lopez retaining the mount.

Trainer Jim Brown is looking for a big effort from Dashing Don, who is coming off a front-running win in a $25,000 optional-claiming race for trainer Nancy Betts on Aug. 14.

Acting on behalf of L D S Enterprises Ltd., Brown claimed Dashing Don for the $25,000. He likes what he sees. Dashing Don won an open allowance race for 3-year-olds in his previous start July 31.

“He’s a nice horse, and he shouldn’t have any trouble coming back this quickly,” Brown said. “He’s also versatile, and Antonio can place him wherever he wants to.”

He was referring to Antonio Reyes, who picks up the mount from Lopez.

KEY CONTENDERS

Opportunistic, by Sky Mesa

Last 3 Beyers: 86-74-68

◗ With plenty of speed in the field, the shape of the race should work in his favor, and the 86 Beyer Speed Figure he received for his win at Emerald stands out.

Dashing Don, by Popular

Last 3 Beyers: 70-69-80

◗ He hasn’t been worse than second in his last four starts and could get a nice trip sitting just off suspect speed.

Silvertown, by Speightstown

Last 3 Beyers: 78-71-73

◗ Trained by Dino Condilenios, he was second at the top of the stretch in the Emerald Derby but couldn’t keep up with the top two when it mattered. He did hang on to finish third, though, and at least should be part of any exotics ticket.