Uncharacteristic surges past Myopic in Canadian Derby
Uncharacteristic proved his win in the $101,000 Manitoba Derby was no fluke when he repeated in the Grade 3, $124,875 Canadian Derby at Century Mile in Alberta, Canada, on Saturday.
He paid $9.20 for his neck victory over Myopic in the 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-olds.
With Alex Marti aboard, Uncharacteristic broke outward and then was under a snug hold along the inside while stalking Myopic and Smart Play, who dueled through six furlongs in 1:13.15 and a mile in 1:37.86.
He angled out midway through the stretch turn and took over the lead just before reaching the 1/16th-pole. Myopic was squeezed at the start between Uncharacteristic and Papichulo, recovered soon after and, after battling with Smart Play the whole way, edged his rival by a neck for the runner-up spot. Smart Play broke alertly from the nine-hole and ended up on the rail while dueling with Myopic.
The final time was 2:04.16.
“He was a lot better horse this time” said Marti, who rode Uncharacteristic in his two previous races. “He wanted to go early, so I had to take a big hold of him. When I asked him at the quarter-pole he gave me everything he had.”
Uncharacteristic is trained by Robert VanOverschot. Acting on behalf of Adam Isfeld, VanOverschot claimed the Kentucky-bred son of Texas Wildcatter for $8,000 out of his second start at Hastings last year. The $75,000 winner’s share of the purse boosted his earnings to $152,400.
The Canadian Derby was supported by three $75,00 stakes beginning with the Northland Park Distaff for fillies and mares, in which Infinite Patience equaled the one-mile track record of 1:36.01. She paid $4.20 for her 2 1/2-length victory over Princess of Cairo.
She was ridden by Antonio Reyes and is trained by Barbara Heads.
The 4-year-old daughter of Sungold is owned by her breeder William Decoursey, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
With Sylvino Morales riding, Heidi came from a stalking position to upset the Century Casino Oaks. She paid $25.50 for her half-length victory over a fast-closing Plum Blue in the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-old fillies.
The final time was 1.51.29
The Kentucky-bred daughter of Bayern is trained by Dino Condilenios and races for Swift Thoroughbreds.
Greek Geek rallied late to catch Sir Bregovic just before the wire in the Century Mile Handicap. He paid $10.80 and posted a final time of 1:36.03.
He was ridden by Enrique Gonzalez for trainer Tim Rycroft.
A 4-year-old Alberta-bred gelding by Misremembered, Greek Geek races for Riversedge Racing Stables.
The $1,495,209 wagered on the 10-race program was the highest mutuel handle at Century Mile since it opened in 2019.