Trooper John drew post 2 for the Grade 3, $150,000 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park Saturday. The 1 3/8 miles race that drew eight 3-year-olds is the highlight of the Northlands meet, and it headlines an 12-race card that includes four other stakes.

Trooper John, the 8-5 morning-line favorite, is coming off a 9 ½ length romp in the $50,000 Count Lathum for trainer Tim Rycroft. He was ridden by Keishan Balgobin who will be aboard Saturday.

Trainer Robertino Diodoro will be trying for his third Canadian Derby win with Chief Know It All who will break from post 4 with leading rider Rico Walcott aboard.

Chief Know It All was the runner-up going 1 1/16 miles on turf in his last start in a $100,000 optional claiming race at Churchill Downs June 30. It will be his first start for Diodoro who claimed him out of the race.

It looks like a three-horse race which includes Aqua Frio who is coming off a second-place finish in the $75,000 Emerald Downs Derby for trainer Blaine Wright July 30.

Aqua Frio will break from post 6 with Rigo Sarmiento riding. Monica Russell is the trainer.  

Here is the complete field with jockeys in post-position order:

1: Captain Will – Shamaree Muir

2: Trooper John – Keishan Balgobin

3: Big Kaz – Scott Steer

4: Chief Know It All – Rico Walcott

5: Double Bear – Dan Nelson

6: Aqua Frio – Rigo Sarmiento

7: Dublin Day – Rey Williams

8: Alberta Strong – Damario Bynoe