The 77th running of the Manitoba Derby, Assiniboia Downs’ most prestigious race, takes center stage on Monday, August 4, 2025, as Race 6. This $125,000 stakes event for three-year-olds over 1 1/8 miles on dirt is the first leg of the Western Canadian Triple Crown, drawing top contenders from across North America. This Manitoba Derby race analysis delivers everything fans and handicappers need to know.
Race Details
Race: Manitoba Derby (Race 6)
Track: Assiniboia Downs
Date: August 4, 2025
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs)
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $125,000
Post Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Field Overview – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| No. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree | Odds | Notes |
| 1 | Border Song | Brian Boodramsingh | Robert Van Overschot | Tapiture – More Than a Song | 15/1 | Solid pedigree; needs pace setup |
| 2 | Acknowledge | Damario Bynoe | Wendy Anderson | Authentic – Call to Service | 12/1 | Tactical speed; improving form |
| 3 | Mr Jaws | Prayven Badrie | Jerry Gourneau | Bradester – Spanish Angel | 25/1 | Outsider; needs career-best effort |
| 4 | Attack | N’Rico Prescod | Craig Smith | Munnings – Ammannati (IRE) | 8/1 | Strong connections; versatile style |
| 5 | War Is Hell | Ciera Pruitt | Jason Homer | Om – This Means War | 50/1 | Longshot; limited stakes experience |
| 6 | Maldini | Sven Balroop | Lise Pruitt | Vino Rosso – Never Sober | 15/1 | Late runner; pedigree suggests stamina |
| 7 | Take Charge Tom | Rasheed Hughes | Robertino Diodoro | Tom’s d’Etat – Gorgeous Ginny | 1/2 | Heavy favorite; stakes winner |
| 8 | Just Trust Me | Antonio Whitehall | Dewey Williams | Bodexpress – Trust Fund Kitty | 5/1 | Consistent; strong closing kick |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Take Charge Tom
Pedigree: First stakes winner for Tom’s d’Etat
Form: Winner of Lost in the Fog Juvenile Stakes
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro – elite stakes conditioner
Jockey: Rasheed Hughes – top local rider
Strengths: Tactical speed, proven class, and stamina
Just Trust Me
Pedigree: By Bodexpress, out of Trust Fund Kitty
Trainer: Dewey Williams – known for developing late bloomers
Jockey: Antonio Whitehall – experienced in route races
Strengths: Strong closer with consistent form
Attack
Pedigree: By Munnings, out of Ammannati (IRE)
Trainer: Craig Smith – excels with 3YO stakes horses
Ownership: Backed by Highfield Investment Group & partners
Strengths: Versatile running style and solid connections
Top Pick: Take Charge Tom – dominant form and elite pedigree
Value Play: Attack – well-bred and tactically flexible
Longshot to Watch: Maldini – stamina pedigree and late kick
Predicted Finish:
Take Charge Tom
Just Trust Me
Attack
Acknowledge
How to Watch & Bet
Live Stream: Assiniboia Downs official website or ADW platforms
Wagering Options: Win, Place, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta
Track Conditions: Dirt, fast
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs promises high drama and elite competition. With Take Charge Tom entering as the clear favorite, challengers like Just Trust Me and Attack will need career-best efforts to upset. Bettors should focus on pedigree stamina, trainer stats, and pace dynamics to find value.
