Wright has formidable duo for Emerald Downs Derby

Leading trainer Blaine Wright will be looking to sweep the exacta in another stakes race at Emerald Downs when Aqua Frio and Riser run in the $75,000 Emerald Downs Derby on Sunday.

Riser easily beat Aqua Frio going 6 1/2 furlongs in the Coca-Cola Stakes on June 4. However, after opening up a clear lead, he couldn’t hold off his speedy stablemate in the Seattle Slew on July 2, losing the one-mile race by a head. The extra furlong they have to negotiate in the 1 1/8-mile Derby should work in Aqua Frio’s favor.

Post time for the richest race for 3-year-olds at Emerald is 5:39 p.m. Pacific. The six horses entered are eligible for a bonus that goes to any horse who sweeps the Emerald Downs Derby and the Grade 3, $150,000 British Columbia Derby at Hastings on Sept. 9.

Aqua Frio, owned by Vancouver real estate developer Peter Redekop, undoubtedly would make his next start in the B.C. Derby if he wins Sunday. Redekop also owns the top 3-year-old in Vancouver, A. P. Zona.

Wright isn’t so sure that Aqua Frio, who will break from post 4 with Kevin Orozco riding, will be able to catch Riser though.

“We’ve been going two miles with Riser in the mornings, giving him lots of air,” said Wright. “We’ve also tried to slow him down a bit.”

On the other hand, with the Kay Cooper-trained Monydontspenitself leaving from the rail, he thinks the race could set up for Aqua Frio. Riser, with Eswan Flores riding, will break next to Monydontspenitself.

Monydontspenitself, coming off a win going 6 1/2 furlongs in a $25,000 optional-claiming race July 9, will be trying two turns for the first time.

“Kay’s horse has enough tactical speed to push Riser early, and Aqua Frio will relish the distance,” said Wright. “There are other nice horses in the field though, especially More Power to Him, who ran a huge race from the 10 hole in the Seattle Slew.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Aqua Frio, by Uncle Mo
Last 3 Beyers: 84-70-66

◗ Despite his solid effort in the Coca-Cola, he was cold as ice on the tote board in the Seattle Slew, paying $14.40. Considering that the added distance Sunday should work for him, he is going to be a much shorter price.

Riser, by Mizzen Mast
Last 3 Beyers: 84-80-86

◗ Pace will make the race. If Flores can slow him down early, he could be tough to get past late. That seems like a big if though.

More Power to Him, by Slew’s Tiznow
Last 3 Beyers: 77-81-77

◗ Trained by Faith Taylor, he was running on dirt for the first time in the Seattle Slew and was up against it breaking from post 10 when he finished a fast-closing third.

◗ The only time he went 1 1/8 miles, he was the runner-up via disqualification in the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields.