Weekend stakes delight chalk players

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Favorites took both the $36,000 Manitoba Maturity on Saturday and the $35,000 Derby Trial on Sunday.

Woodbine shipper Trebbiano broke in the air in the restricted Manitoba Maturity, for 4-year-old Manitoba-breds, but it made no difference in the outcome.

Rated outside and behind pacesetting maiden Minus Three through fractions of 24 seconds, 49.60, and 1:15.40, Trebbiano rallied on the final turn. He drew off to win by 2 3U4 lengths over a rallying Silver Greek, getting the 1 1/16 miles in 1:48.60 over a fast track. Beau Pip rallied for third after bearing out on the final turn, finishing 7 3U4 lengths behind Silver Greek.

Trained by Patti Ross for owner-breeder Dr. Ross McKague, Trebbiano was ridden by Rohan Singh and paid $4 as the favorite.

The 1 1/16-mile Derby Trial was never in doubt, as western Canadian star Taiaslew set fractions of 23.40, 48.20, 1:13.20, and 1:41.40 en route to a three-length victory over Fancy Bru. The final time for the race was 1:49.40 and Taiaslew had something left at the wire.

Sand Rush finished third, 5 1/2 lengths behind Fancy Bru, after pressing the pace from the inside and taking a run at the winner into the final turn.

Taiaslew is trained by Greg Tracy for the partnership of Stan Ryan and Shelli Tracy. A 3-year-old gelding by Slewdledo-Taiayellowribbon, by Sharper One, Taiaslew was ridden by Real Simard and paid $2.60. He also stamped himself as the horse to beat in the $100,000 Manitoba Derby on Aug. 4.