Canterbury Derby 2025 – Race Preview & Analysis
Date: June 28, 2025
Track: Canterbury Park
Race: Canterbury Derby (1 Mile, Turf)
Purse: $50,000
Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds
Contenders Breakdown
1. R N R Audible
Pedigree: Audible – Alluring Squall
Trainer: Tim P. Padilla
Jockey: Alonso Quinonez
Form: Improving local gelding with turf experience
Analysis: Homegrown Minnesota-bred with tactical speed. Padilla is a savvy local conditioner, and this gelding could surprise with a ground-saving trip from the rail.
2. Smoken Boy
Pedigree: Catholic Boy – Smoken Deb
Trainer: Cheryl Winebaugh
Jockey: Victor Santiago
Form: Lightly raced colt with upside
Analysis: Catholic Boy was a Grade 1 winner on both turf and dirt, and this colt has shown flashes of talent. Could be a sleeper if pace collapses.
3. Seahorse Stampede
Pedigree: Malibu Moon – Stamp
Trainer: Dan L. McFarlane
Jockey: Guillermo Rodriguez
Form: 3YO gelding with modest figures
Analysis: Has yet to show a breakout performance, but Malibu Moon adds class. Needs a career-best effort to contend.
4. Benandonner
Pedigree: Unified – Heliocentricity
Trainer: Wade Rarick
Jockey: Karlo Lopez
Form: Improving colt with decent turf foundation
Analysis: Unified is a rising turf sire, and this colt has shown steady progression. Could be a value play underneath.
5. Homie
Pedigree: Mendelssohn – Fishing (GB)
Trainer: Larry Rivelli
Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez
Form: 2-for-2 as a juvenile, returns off layoff
Analysis: Undefeated colt with back class. Rivelli is a high-percentage trainer off layoffs, and Mendelssohn adds turf versatility. Major threat if fit.
6. Canyon Streak
Pedigree: Kitten’s Joy – Jaylan
Trainer: Gary M. Scherer
Jockey: Leandro D. Goncalves
Form: 2-for-3 lifetime, including turf win
Analysis: Kitten’s Joy is a turf powerhouse sire. This gelding owns the field’s top turf speed figure and enters in sharp form. Legitimate win contender.
7. Sushi Man
Pedigree: Astern (AUS) – Kitty Boo (GB)
Trainer: Coty W. Rosin
Jockey: Harry Hernandez
Form: Dominant 7¼-length turf maiden win
Analysis: Local buzz horse with explosive debut on grass. Astern adds turf brilliance, and Hernandez retains the mount. The one to catch.
Top Picks:
Win Contender: Sushi Man – sharp turf debut, local edge
Main Rival: Canyon Streak – proven turf form, elite pedigree
Value Play: Homie – undefeated, dangerous off the bench
Exacta Box: Sushi Man, Canyon Streak, Homie
Trifecta Add-On: Benandonner – improving and overlooked
