Ruck tries dirt in Manitoba Derby

The Woodbine shipper Ruck is the 2-1 morning-line favorite among a contentious field of eight 3-year-olds in Monday’s $75,000 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs.

Ruck, who made his first six starts on synthetic surfaces, graduated in his penultimate 2-year-old start going long in November. Following a winter layoff May 8, he rallied stoutly from seventh to land a seven-furlong allowance/optional claimer on Woodbine’s Tapeta surface.

Ruck went three wide on the turn before ending up eighth last time out in the one-mile Charlie Barley Stakes on grass. The third-place finisher, Conquest Daddyo, came right back to take the Toronto Cup Stakes impressively.

Omar Moreno will ride Ruck for trainer Reade Baker. The horse is owned by his breeder, Calmar Stables and Ranch.

The 68th running of the nine-furlong Manitoba Derby goes as race 7 on an eight-race card that also includes the $25,000 Manitoba Oaks.

KEY CONTENDERS

Ruck, by Lookin At Lucky
Last 3 Beyers: 72-75-69

◗ This will be his first start on dirt, over which he’s trained regularly on the training track at Woodbine. His sire won the Grade 1 Preakness, and his dam, Raylene, is one of the best mares to hail from Western Canada. Her biggest win came in the Grade 3 Canadian Derby.

Inside Straight, by Super Saver
Last 3 Beyers: 77-82-69

◗ Following a blowout score over $40,000 claimers in the mud at Belmont on May 4, he finished third as the heavy favorite in the local prep for the Derby, the Harry Jeffrey Stakes.

Solve, by Flatter
Last 3 Beyers: 77-78-74

◗ The Kentucky invader was competitive in starter-allowance company on dirt and turf during the spring and early summer at Churchill Downs. He’s making his first start for Robertino Diodoro, who also trains Inside Straight. Diodoro possesses solid numbers with new acquisitions.

Primary Factor, by Orientate
Last 3 Beyers: 79-55-49

◗ He got away with soft fractions while capturing the one-mile Harry Jeffrey in his first start beyond six furlongs and his debut outside of the maiden ranks.

Power Driven, by Harlan’s Holiday
Last 3 Beyers: 77-77-69

◗ He was claimed for $75,000 from his maiden victory at Churchill on June 18, after which he closed for second after awaiting room in the Harry Jeffrey. His trainer, Gary Danelson, is 12 for 35 at the meet.

Break the Silence, by Broken Vow
Last 3 Beyers: 58-73-87

◗ The Indiana invader was in decent form until he came up empty in a July 5 optional claimer.