Trip decides Canadian Derby

EDMONTON, Alberta - Matt's Broken Vow ($9.40) captured Saturday's Grade 3, $300,000 Canadian Derby under a ground-saving ride from Emile Ramsammy, who allowed his mount to settle in along the rail behind moderate early fractions in the 1 3/8-mile test.

"He relaxed for me and was very willing when I asked him," said Ramsammy, who rode Woodbine invader Matt's Broken Vow for trainer Josie Carroll. "When Texas Wildcatter came up inside of us at the eighth pole, I still had plenty of horse left."

Matt's Broken Vow's good trip was in contrast to Texas Wildcatter's eventful journey.

"My horse was probably a little too sharp, and I had to fight to get him settled," said jockey Chad Hoverson, who was forced to alter course past the quarter pole.

Texas Wildcatter split horses to get on even terms with Matt's Broken Vow at the head of the lane, but Matt's Broken Vow drew off in the final furlong to win by 2 1/4 lengths in 2:19.40, with local entrants Cool Ventura and Papa Time rallying from well back to finish third and fourth.

Holy Nova wins Edmonton Distaff

Hastings invader Holy Nova ($3.70) bested a very game Tanika by a half-length in the $100,000 City of Edmonton Distaff earlier in the card.

Holy Nova took charge turning for home and held off the late-closing Tanika to complete the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.20.