In what looks to be a well-matched $75,000 Western Canada Pacing Derby on Saturday, trainer Marjorie Dumont has a great one-two punch with a pair of close second-place finishers from last week's eliminations.
"Watch And Pray is a very nice horse," said Dumont. "He raced this past summer at Alberta Downs, but he was not himself there so we gave him some time off and brought him back [to the races] in B.C. He just loves it there."
Last week Watch And Pray, with J.F. Gagne, was runner-up to Alberta Maverick winner Cowboy Caper after exploding off the starting gate to race up-close throughout.
"We took a chance with him for the Derby...not knowing what to expect," continued Dumont. "He just really impressed us."
The morning line favourite is the B.C. invader, Steve O, who finished second in the $75,000 Robert Murphy Breeders Stakes on Remembrance Day at Fraser Downs.
"Steve O is small, but mighty," said Dumont. "He's another really nice horse. And again not knowing what to expect with a new track, new competition, and both [Steve O and Watch And Pray] had never worn corks [on their shoes] before - we were impressed once again."
B.C. pilot Jim 'The Moneyman' Marino will fly in to drive Steve O and the two have history.
"We were both surprised and happy to have Jim available for the final," said Dumont. "Jim knows the horse well - he's trained and driven Steve O before - plus he and J.F. are good friends."
Marino's last drive on Steve O was a half-length victory in 1:56 at Fraser Downs in early September. Unraced last year, Steve O has never been worse than third and is poised to go over $100,000 in earnings for 2012.
The field for Saturday’s $75,000 Western Canada Pacing Derby is listed below:
$75,000 Western Canada Pacing Derby
1. Cowboy Caper – Kelly Hoerdt – Kelly Hoerdt
2. No Fear – Brandon Campbell – Sanford Campbell
3. Somethinsgoinon – Keith Clark – Keith Clark
4. Sharkalucchi – Gerry Hudon – Keith Clark
5. Watch And Pray – J.F. Gagne – Marjorie Dumont
6. Outlaw Highvoltage – Brent Grundy – Doug Stout
7. Steve O – Jim Marino – Marjorie Dumont
8. Playbook – Bobby Clark – Keith Clark
For a free, printable program courtesy of TrackIT, click here.
To view entries for Saturday's card, click on the following link: Saturday Entries - Northlands Park.
(thehorses.com)