Filly Academic Romps in Canadian Derby
Description:
Filly Academic seized the lead from Blue Dancer in the final turn of the $200,000 Canadian Derby (Can-III) and drew off to an easy victory against males in the 1 3/8-mile test Saturday, Aug. 15 at Northlands Park.
Bear Stables and Riversedge Racing Stable's Academic secured her first graded stakes win as the daughter of Henny Hughes bounced back after not finishing her first start against males in the Queen's Plate Stakes July 5 at Woodbine. Before that start, where she led early, Academic won the Woodbine Oaks Presented by Budweiser in the first stakes start of her career.
On Saturday Academic tracked Blue Dancer throughout as the favorite enjoyed a clear lead through a half-mile in :47.66 and one mile in 1:39.26. In the final turn, Academic proved to have another gear, quickly moving up on the outside of Blue Dancer and surging to the lead on her way to an eight-length score.
Blue Dancer would fade off the board, finishing fifth. Henry Witt's Witt Six, who also launched a move in the final turn, would finish second, never threatening the winner but 6 1/4 lengths ahead of third-place Cowboys Don't Cry, a 29-1 shot. Trained by Tim Rycroft, Academic was guided to victory by Justin Stein.
Academic returned $9 to win, $6.10 to place, and $5.90 to show. Witt Six returned $8.60 and $5.90 while Cowboys Don't Cry paid $10.60 to show. Academic completed 1 3/8 miles on a fast track in 2:18.49, the fastest time in the race since 2001.
Bear Stables purchased Academic for $54,000 at last year's Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. spring sale of 2-year-olds in training where she was consigned by Flying Fish. Bred in Ontario by Spring Farm, Academic is out of the Awesome Again filly Awesome Lass, who also has produced stakes winners Awesome Fire and Secret Wish.