Northfold Boss, ridden by O. Hernandez, wins the $25,789 (US) Alberta Bred Derby by 1/2-length at Century Downs on Sunday.

© Coady Photography

ROCKY VIEW, AB–OCTOBER 22, 2023–Second fastest qualifier Northfork Boss from the Alberta Bred Derby trials returns as the favorite in the $25,789 (US) finals on Sunday and doesn't disappoint. 

Northfork Boss, piloted by O. Hernandez, was first out of the gates but dropped to fourth by first call. The son of Jd Wagon Boss dug in for a late gain on Heza Majestic Hero and Junk Drawer crossing the wire 1/2-length ahead. After clocking a 99 speed index in :20.166 seconds, the bay gelding's victory paid $3.50 to win on 1-2 odds.

Northfork Boss graced the winner's circle of multiple stakes races in 2022, including the Sales Stakes Futurity and Alberta Bred Futurity but the 400-yard derby is his first victory of 2023. He finished second in his last five starts this year prior to his win, including the Canada Cup Derby, Alberta Stallion Stakes Derby and Alberta Stallion Stakes Maturity.

The $12,038 winner's share of the purse increased Northfolk Boss' lifetime earnings to $79,752 and he now has a record of 5-6-3 from 16 starts. Trainer Buckey Stockwell owns Northfork Boss in parternship with Delton Gehring and his breeder Glenn Wills. He's out of Northfork Babe by Spanish Boot.

Heza Majestic Hero, with C. Benitez in the irons, rallied for the wire but was out finished for second in a photo finish by a nose over Junk Drawer. The son of Majestic Cartel broke his maiden in his trial heat for the Alberta Bred Derby and has $17,724 in the bank.

Trainer Misael Moreno saddled Heza Majestic Hero for his owner Gina Fehr. He was bred in Alberta by Bryon Gardner out of the Valiant Hero mare Weeds In My Roses.

Fastest qualifier from the trials Junk Drawer placed third under the guidance of jockey Martin Ortiz. The bay gelding didn't race his juvenile year has earned three victories with $21,340 in earnings from 2023, including the Maiden Express Stakes at Century Mile in June.

Owner Laurie Ferguson also trains Junk Drawer. Ralph Denard bred the son of Obsessed Wwith Corona out of the Favorite Cartel mare Concealed Attraction.

Tulsa Timber, Springeleer, Fed Fast Man, Eyemadashin and Appreciate complete the order of finish.

Editor's note: A photo of this race will be posted with this article as soon as it is available from the track photographer.