Riser, Chief Know It All among invaders for British Columbia Derby

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – This year’s Grade 3, $150,000 British Columbia Derby is shaping up as one of the best in recent memory, with a slew of contenders shipping in for the race. The winner of this year’s Emerald Downs Derby, Riser, is expected to start and could be favored in the 1 1/8-mile race on Sept. 9.

The first three finishers from last month’s controversial running of the Grade 3 Canadian Derby will try to sort things out when they meet again in the B.C. Derby, the most important race at Hastings.

Chief Know It All won the 1 3/8-mile Canadian Derby at Northlands Park on Aug. 19, but when he drifted in at midstretch, he made pretty good contact with Double Bear. The margin of victory was a half-length, and some would argue that the contact cost Double Bear the win. Trooper John, who was favored, finished in a dead heat with Double Bear for second.

The connections of both Double Bear and Trooper John have filed an appeal of the stewards’ decision to let the result stand. Horse Racing Alberta, the governing body of horse racing in the province, will schedule a hearing on the decision.

“It could take a long time before they hold the hearing,” said Rod Cone, the trainer of Double Bear.

Double Bear was 9.75-1 in the Canadian Derby, but Cone wasn’t surprised by the strong effort. The son of Kentucky Bear set the pace, and after getting passed on the final turn by Chief Know It All and Trooper John, he fought back determinedly in the stretch.

“I knew he was going to run good because he was training like a bear,” Cone said with a laugh. “He really dug in, and I think he had a good chance of winning if he didn’t get bounced around. He came out of the race in great shape, so we’re heading to Vancouver.”

Chief Know It All gave trainer Robertino Diodoro his third win in the Canadian Derby. Diodoro claimed the Kentucky-bred son of Flashy Bull for $100,000 out of his previous start, which came at Churchill Downs on June 30. Chief Know It All will vie for favoritism with Riser.

“We are kind of excited about coming to Hastings,” said Diodoro. “I was concerned about the layoff and the shipping, but he handled it all very well. He came out of the race sharper than he went in, so I think coming back in three weeks should be perfect for him.”

Chief Know It All is the perfect horse for Hastings. He has good speed but can stalk, like he did in his win in the Canadian Derby.

The B.C. Derby card will be supported by five stakes, including the $100,000 British Columbia Oaks. The 1 1/8-mile Oaks features a matchup between the best filly at Hastings, Daz Lin Dawn, and Washington Oaks winner Little Dancer.