Matt's Broken Vow Takes Canadian Derby

Matt's Broken Vow defeated favored Texas Wildcatter to win the $286,110 Canadian Derby (Can-III) by 2 1/4 lengths at Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta, Aug. 23.

Given a ground-saving trip by Emile Ramsammy, the winner, a dark bay colt by Broken Vow—Marianka, by Ascot Knight, clocked a winning time of 2:19 2/5 for the 1 3/8-mile dirt test for 3-year-olds. Cool Ventura finished third.

Matt's Broken Vow gained steadily round the final turn to make a bid in upper stretch, caught Texas Wildcatter mid-stretch, and finished up while holding sway over the 6-5 choice. The runner-up was forced to steady in traffic at the quarter-pole and alter course before getting the lead heading into the stretch.

“Every hole I pointed, it opened up," saidRamsammy. “I hit the lead in cruise and then I realized he was waiting for (Texas Wildcatter). I thought if (Texas Wildcatter) comes and runs by him, I still had enough horse to go on and persevere."

One Only set the pace for the opening mile, carving fractions of :23 4/5, :48 2/5, and 1:15.

Matt's Broken Vow was coming off a 5 1/4-length win in the Manitoba Derby at Winnipeg's Assiniboia Downs Aug. 4 for Toronto-based trainer Josie Carroll.

Owned by Robert W. Mitchell, Matt's Broken Vow earned his fourth lifetime win in nine starts while pushing his earnings to $370,884. Nicholas M. Lotz bred the winner in Kentucky.

Matt's Broken Vow also captured the Marine Stakes (Can-III) at Woodbine May 17 by a half-length. The $60,000 2006 Keeneland September yearling buy was the only starter in the Canadian Derby field to win two stakes at one mile or more this year.

The 9-5 morning-line favorite, Matt's Broken Vow was an overlay as the second choice, paying 9.40, 4.30, and 3.40. Texas Wildcatter, ridden by Chad Hoverson, finished second for the second time in a row and returned $3.50 and $3. Cool Ventura, with Real Simard aboard, was $6.50 to show.

Hoverson said Texas Wildcatter was too aggressive early in the race.

"It took a little bit away from him. When he settles he has got a nice long stride," he said.
 
Papa Time, Bears Tiger, Royal Hudson, Reel Prime, One Only, Discreet Commander, and Saratoga Avenue also ran.