Ernesto Delacruz romps in Western Canada Pacing Derby elim

Alberta Sires Stakes champ Ernesto Delacruz (Vertical Horizon) impressed in the second Western Canada Pacing Derby harness racing elimination on Saturday (Nov. 26) at Century Mile.

After starting sixth, the gelding marched first-over to take the lead at three-quarters. He then fended off previous leader Lets Tie One On (Kelly Hoerdt) and rolled four-and-three-quarter lengths clear to score in 1:53.1. Matts A Mystician (Nathan Sobey) came on late for second. Vegas Gambler (Phil Giesbrecht) was third. Joe Dimagio (Michael Hennessy) edged Angelo (David Kelly) on the line for fourth.

ERNESTO DELACRUZ REPLAY

Ernesto Delacruz, who started his career this season, has won 10 of his 23 outings and earned $175,833 to date. Jean Francois Gagne drivers, trains, and co-owns the gelding with Peter Van Seggelen of Heritage Point. The homebred won the Alberta Sires Stakes Maverick, Alberta Sires Stakes Super Final, and the Moore’s Mile Breeders Stakes this season.

Joe Rich (Custard The Dragon) won the first elimination of the stake for three-year-old pacing males. The Jamie Gray-trained and -driven colt moved out of third as favourite Redstone Arsenal (Hennessy) kicked away in the third quarter. Joe Rich tracked him down in the stretch and won by a-length-and-three-quarters in the end with a 1:54.1 clocking.

Knockin Boots (Tyler Redwood) also passed the tiring leader for place. Redstone Arsenal held third over Itll Be Fine (Logan Gillis). Sharkas Lil Lad (Kelly) was fifth.

JOE RICH REPLAY

The $110,000E Western Canada Pacing Derby final is set for Saturday, Dec. 3 at Century Mile.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink