Stage Classic headed west in search of another derby

EDMONTON, Alberta - Eastern Canadian invader Stage Classic looks to add another western derby to his laurels when he faces six foes in the Canadian Derby at Northlands Park Saturday.

The Grade 3 Canadian Derby, at 1 3/8 miles, is worth $150,000. The card also includes the $50,000 City of Edmonton Distaff and the $35,000 Westerner Handicap.

Woodbine-based Stage Classic, winner of the Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs on Aug. 6, will be ridden by Constant Montpellier.

Seeking revenge for his three-quarters of a length defeat in the Manitoba Derby is Fancy As, who is unbeaten in Alberta. The winner of four stakes this season, including the Alberta Derby for trainer and co-owner Red Smith, Fancy As has the services of his regular jockey, Richard Hamel.

Edmonton entrepreneur and horse owner Cam Allard goes for a third victory in the Canadian Derby. Allard won with Cozzy Grey in 1993 and A Fleets Dancer in 1998. Now, along with co-owners Don Danard and Jim Moroz, his hopeful is Krakow, who won his maiden at a mile on the turf at Woodbine in his last start. Slade Callaghan will be aboard.

Invading from British Columbia is Thurston, trained by Harold Barroby. Thurston is coming off a third-place finish in a B.C. Cup Stallion stakes at Hastings Park.

The Northlands-based Kid Copper is coming off a powerful victory in the Count Lathum at 1 5/16 miles. Bubblegum Kid finished a strong second in the Count Lathum. He will be ridden by Real Simard, who won the '98 Canadian Derby with A Fleets Dancer.