Sky Promise tops Diodoro-trained exacta in Manitoba Derby

The favored Sky Promise closed from last to beat another Robertino Diodoro-trained 3-year-old, United Patriot, in a decisive score in Monday’s $75,000 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs.

United Patriot attended rapid fractions in the 1 1/8-mile event, and then took control heading into the far turn. Sky Promise ($7.20) commenced a three-wide rally on the backstretch, and then overtook United Patriot early in the stretch before drawing off for a 7 1/2-length win in a time of 1:50. United Patriot finished a clear second over Pete Marwick.

Top Alberta jockey Rico Walcott was aboard Sky Promise for the first time in the 70th running of the Manitoba Derby.

“I don’t know much about the horse,” Walcott admitted. “[Robertino] told me to sit chilly, and I just sit chilly and made a move. It worked out pretty good.”

Diodoro also sent out Gato Guapo to finish fourth in the eight-horse field.

“Everyone was asking me who I liked, and I really didn’t have a favorite horse because all three had been training real well,” said Diodoro, who is looking at the Aug. 25 Canadian Derby at Northlands for Sky Promise’s next engagement.

A son of Sky Mesa, Sky Promise was claimed from his last race at Churchill Downs for $40,000. He earned $45,900 for the partnership of Norman Tremblay, R 6 Stable, and Rick and Clayton Wiest.