Slice of Red pulls major upset in Richmond Derby Trial

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The longshot Slice of Red paid $61.70 for his 2 1/4-length win over the heavily favored Koffee Grinder in the $50,000 Richmond Derby Trial at Hastings on Friday night.

The shape of the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds changed completely when Solemnly Swear, the second choice in the wagering and the only real speed in the five-horse field, broke awkwardly.

Instead of Solemnly Swear in front, Slice of Red and Distillery walked through a half-mile in 49.57 seconds. Slice of Red was still just a head in front at the top of the stretch before asserting himself. After dispensing of Distillery, he had plenty left to repel the late bid of Koffee Grinder. Distillery held on to finish third.

Trained by Robbie Anderson, Slice of Red posted a quick final time of 1:43.99.

Slice of Red is owned by Lynwood Stables. Claurice Gumprich, one of the three partners in the stable, said after the race Slice of Red would be making his next start Sept. 14 in the Grade 3, $150,000 British Columbia Derby.

Earlier, Dawselina was a game winner over Ole’s Miss in the $30,000 Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Despite battling with Fire Beauty through quick interior fractions, Dawselina was able to hold off Ole’s Miss by 1 1/2 lengths in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old fillies. She paid $4.00 as the second choice behind Ole’s Miss in a race that drew just four horses.

She was ridden by Richard Hamel for the first time.

Trainer Pedro Alvarado was very concerned when he saw the half-mile split of 46.15.

“I thought it was over, especially with Ole’s Miss moving up on the outside,” said Alvarado. “Richard said she was just taking it easy, though.”

The final time was 1:44.05.

It was the second straight stakes win for Dawselina, who likely will make her next start in the $100,000 British Columbia Oaks on the same card as the B.C. Derby.