Witt Six streaking into Manitoba Derby
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
Witt Six enters Monday’s $75,000 Manitoba Derby on a three-race win streak and is the 5-2 morning-line favorite in the 67th running of the 1 1/8-mile test for 3-year-olds at Assiniboia Downs.
The Texas-bred Witt Six was a successful allowance runner in the Lone Star State before coming north of the border to Manitoba in the spring. Witt Six captured two sprint stakes by daylight in June, the Northern Affair and the Golden Boy. Most recently July 11, he fought for the lead in the one-mile Harry Jeffrey Stakes before coming out on top by a half-length, earning a career-best 78 Beyer Speed Figure.
Chavion Chow will ride Witt Six again for owner Henry Witt Jr. and trainer Jerry Gourneau, who has an impressive 30 percent strike rate with horses exiting a victory.
Holiday Monday’s supporting feature is the $25,000 Manitoba Oaks, a one-mile event for 3-year-old fillies.
KEY CONTENDERS
Witt Six (Last 3 Beyers: 78-70-61)
* This will be his first start beyond a mile. The need-the-lead type might be vulnerable going this far, unless he’s able to secure an uncontested lead through moderate fractions.
Impromptu (Last 3 Beyers: 75-73-69)
* The son of Eskendereya has won two straight allowances on grass at Canterbury Park, a track that has produced many live Manitoba Derby shippers in the past. His dirt form is mediocre, but he was beaten just a half-length when third in an allowance route on a sloppy track May 29 at Canterbury.
Flashy Jewel (Last 3 Beyers: 70-70-69)
* The Canterbury invader is stretching out off back-to-back six-furlong scores in a maiden special weight race and a first-level allowance. Expect him to be in contention from the outset.
Quiet Ry (Last 3 Beyers: 75-61-77)
* After running hot and cold at Canterbury, he was a prominent third in the Harry Jeffrey in his local debut.
* Like Flashy Jewel, he is trained by Clay Brinson, who won the 2011 Manitoba Derby with Hammers Bullet.
Safecracker (Last 3 Beyers: 54-54-57)
* The son of Bold n’ Flashy is the lone entrant with a 1 1/8-mile win on his résumé, which came against Manitoba-breds on July 18 in the J.W. Sifton Stakes.
Spider’s Alibi (Last 3 Beyers: 77-52-66)
* He was among the leading 2-year-olds on the grounds last year and was able to split Witt Six and Quiet Ry when second with the addition of blinkers in the Harry Jeffrey. His previous form was poor, but the son of classic winner Lookin At Lucky is a candidate to stay the trip.