Race Overview
Race Name: Grande Prairie Derby
Track: J.D.A. Raceway at Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie, Alberta
Surface: Dirt
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles
Purse: $29,000
Eligibility: Three-Year-Old Thoroughbreds
Post Time: 4:35 PM MT
Field Size: 8 runners
Wagering Options: Exactor, Triactor, Superfecta
The Grande Prairie Derby is the marquee event of Derby Day, featuring top 3-year-olds from Alberta and beyond. With a mix of speed, stamina, and pedigree depth, this stakes race promises a thrilling finish over the classic 8.5-furlong distance.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Eitherinorintheway (KY)
Pedigree: McKinzie × Little Dancer (by Successful Appeal)
Trainer: Jason Coney
Jockey: T.R. Foster
Notes: Kentucky-bred colt with a balanced pedigree. McKinzie offspring are known for tactical speed and versatility. Could be a sleeper if pace is contested.
2. Sky Music (KY)
Pedigree: Maclean’s Music × Skylighter (by Sky Mesa)
Trainer: C.R. Smith
Jockey: R. Lunan
Notes: Godolphin-bred gelding with elite bloodlines. Maclean’s Music progeny often flash brilliance early. Needs to prove stamina at this distance.
3. Dancing Porky (KY) (Coupled Entry with Reboso)
Pedigree: Honor A.P. × Morning Dance (by Broken Vow)
Trainer: Laurie Ferguson
Jockey: L.L. Steadman
Notes: Strong route pedigree. Honor A.P. is a proven stamina sire. Has shown steady improvement and could peak here.
4. Tapologist (KY)
Pedigree: Tapiture × Coronette (by Empire Maker)
Trainer: Laura Conway
Jockey: R. Nelson
Notes: Tapiture gelding with solid foundation. Empire Maker dam line adds stamina. Could be a pace factor.
5. Reboso (CA) (Coupled Entry with Dancing Porky)
Pedigree: Stay Thirsty × Heavenly Pride (by Sky Mesa)
Trainer: Laurie Ferguson
Jockey: K. Balgobin
Notes: California-bred with strong closing style. Stay Thirsty progeny often thrive at longer distances. One of the top contenders.
6. Who Is (BC)
Pedigree: Ralis × Lost Humor (by Langfuhr)
Trainer: R. Henson
Jockey: A. Marti
Notes: British Columbia-bred gelding with modest form. Ralis line suggests stamina, but may be outclassed.
7. Writ in Stone (AB)
Pedigree: Tapwrit × Conquest Rebel (by Dixie Union)
Trainer: Tim Rycroft
Jockey: S. Williams
Notes: Alberta-bred with local experience. Tapwrit offspring often improve with distance. Could be a value play.
8. Forgotten Man (AB)
Pedigree: Max Forever × Jungle Rose (by Animal Kingdom)
Trainer: Clinton Rycroft
Jockey: L. Allen
Notes: Alberta-bred gelding with deep stamina pedigree. Animal Kingdom dam line adds turf influence. May need a strong pace to close into.
| Position | Horse | Reasoning |
| 1st | Reboso | Proven closer, strong pedigree, top barn |
| 2nd | Dancing Porky | Coupled entry with Reboso, improving form |
| 3rd | Writ in Stone | Local experience, stamina pedigree |
Win Bet: Reboso
Exacta Box: Reboso / Dancing Porky / Writ in Stone
Trifecta Play: Reboso over Dancing Porky and Eitherinorintheway
Longshot to Watch: Forgotten Man – could surprise with late rally
