How to bet the 2022 Canadian Derby

An overflow field of 13 sophomores will go 1 1/4 miles at Century Mile in Saturday’s $200,000 Canadian Derby (G3). The feature on the day attracted a competitive field of three-year-olds in what appears to be a fine betting opportunity.

#3 Great Escape (6-1), like many in the field, is a question mark at 10 furlongs, but I love how the dark bay has built up to this race, and I will give him a slight edge in the field. Trained by Robertino Diodoro, the colt flashed some potential as a juvenile and exits a pair of runner-up stakes results since joining this outfit, led by a smart second in the Manitoba Derby in his latest venture.

The Kentucky-bred proved capable of putting in a good performance at 1 1/8 miles in his latest outing, and I like his chances to flaunt speed and carry it for another panel on Saturday while making his local debut. Rico Walcott, who has been in the silks in two straight, will guide the $200,000 auction buy.

#8 Soaringforthesun (9-2) has earned triple-digit Brisnet Late Pace numbers in his pair of recent route tries and has to be taken seriously on this occasion. The Edgar Mendoza pupil has displayed both early foot and staying power, and if the son of Sungold takes a step forward on the class rise, then the gelding will be a factor from the opening bell beneath Amadeo Perez.

Diodoro’s #2 Red Knobs (3-1), who bagged the Manitoba Derby in his first effort off the claim last time out, will be formidable with something resembling his latest performance. The chestnut son of Union Rags had no problem negotiating nine furlongs in his last showing, and I believe that he will be equally adept at handling 1 1/4 miles on Saturday. The Kentucky-bred will track from just off the early tempo with Jorge Carreno back in the controls.

Canadian Derby Wagers

• $15 win and place: #3 Great Escape ($30)
• $4 exacta key box: 3 with 2,8 ($16)
• $1 trifecta box: 2,3,8 ($6)