Seven Secrets wins Richmond Derby Trial

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Seven Secrets earned his way into the $250,000 Grade 3 British Columbia Derby Sept. 24 with a two-length win over Forceful Intention in the $54,918 Richmond Derby Trial at Hastings Sunday.

With Anderson Ward aboard, Seven Secrets broke sharply and then rated comfortably just behind a moderate pace set by Stole Another and Forceful Intention. It appeared that Seven Secrets might have a hard time finding running room when Ward asked him to engage the leaders at the quarter-pole, but he made a strong move from between horses and then drew away from Forceful Intention in the stretch.

"It got a little bumpy in there,e said Ward. 8I just tried to put my horse on his good feet and he was fine once we got through."

Seven Secrets, who is trained by Harold Barroby, paid $12.20 and covered the 1 1-16 miles in 1:45.33.

Luhuk's Dancer, who was the 5-2 favorite, finished third.

On Saturday, Excited Miss cemented her spot as the top three-year-old filly at Hastings with an easy 3 3-4 length win over Sophie's Trophy in the 1 1-16 miles Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Excited Miss stalked a quick pace set by Hurry an Otis and then took firm control of the race when she took the lead at the quarter-pole. She increased her lead in the stretch while being ridden out by leading rider Pedro Alvarado.

"She broke sharply but I didn't want to run with Hurry an Notis so I eased her back off of the pace," said Alvarado. 8I had a lot of horse the whole way and when she went to the front she was just full of herself.e

Excited Miss paid $5.40 and posted a very good final time of 1:44.18.

Trained by Bard Heads, Excited Miss is expected to make her next start in the Grade 3 Breeders' Cup B.C. Oaks Sept. 23.