Edison Lights Up in Canadian Derby Romp
Description:
After settling in mid-pack early in the Canadian Derby Stakes (Can-III) Aug. 16, Edison took charge at the quarter pole and romped to an eye-widening 11 1/2-length triumph at Edmonton's Northlands Park.
Sixth in the opening stages with Rico Walcott aboard for trainer Robertino Diodoro, the 3-year-old son of Bernardini steadily closed in after six furlongs and overhauled retreating pacesetter Shootitinthebush and Private Money Game to take charge.
There was no catching Florida-bred Edison through the stretch as he extended his command with each stride for the open-lengths triumph as the 5-2 second choice in the 11-horse field.
The race for second went to Remembertobreathe, who finished three-quarters of a length in front of Private Money Game. The Spinmeister, the slight favorite over Edison, was fifth.
Edison was timed in 2:21.38 for the 1 3/8-mile dirt contest to earn consecutive stakes wins.
Diodoro trains Edison, the earner of $181,286, for owners Fouad El Kardy, Bob Butz, and Rick Running Rabbit.
Edison came in with wins in his previous two starts, an allowance/optional claiming score in June at Canterbury Park in his first start for his current owners, and most recently a victory in the Harry Jeffrey Stakes, his first start on dirt, July 16 at Assiniboia Downs. The Canadian Derby marked his fourth win from six starts that also include his maiden tally going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Gulfstream Park last January for previous owners Coolmore and partners.
Walcott enjoyed a second straight Canadian Derby win following last year's victory aboard Broadway Empire.
Bred by in Florida by Destiny Oaks of Ocala, Edison was a $950,000 purchase by Coolmore bloodstock adviser Demi O'Byrne at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton Florida March sale of selected 2-year-olds in training. He is out of the winning Exploit mare Heart of Grace from the family of 1987 Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) winner Very Subtle.
Edison paid $7.20, $4.60 and $3.20 while Remembertobreathe was worth $12.10 and $7.80. Private Money Game paid $7.80 to show.
Go Max checked in fourth, followed by slight 2-1 favorite favorite The Spinmeister, Wilko Rum, Awesome Nugget, Lintlaw, Shootitinthebush, Off the Top, and Consecrate.