Nelson shines with four-timer at Caymanas - Sport

Sport

Nelson shines with four-timer at Caymanas

BY HURBUN WILLIAMS Observer writer
Sunday, July 22, 2012

JOCKEY Dane Nelson continued to stretch his lead in the Jockeys' Championship chasing his first title success with a four-timer at Caymanas Park yesterday.

Among his quadruple winners was Sir D, who won the top billing $715,000 Overnight Allowance, three-year-olds upward race as a 7-1 betting option, squeezed home by a short head to close the four-timer for the leading rider.

Nelson's other winners, which brings his tally to 73 a lead of 22 ahead of Cardenas, were Special Degree in the second race for owner/trainer Gresford Smith, Justin On Fire for trainer Anthony Nunes in the third, and Slice Of Life in the sixth for trainer Richard Azan, who is also a part owner.

Sir D, trained by Gary Subratie for owner Trevor Dunckley Snr, who is a speedy type, took full advantage of the 1-9 favourite Classy Prospect being slowly into stride and seized the initiative early to be in the ascendency from the off.

Along with Smokin Man, ridden by Kerry-Gayl Robinson, the American-bred colt and the leading rider began to dictate terms from in front and completed 1,200 metres narrowly in 1:13.3.

Palace Guard, a 9-2 bet ridden by 3.0kg claiming apprentice Conrod Ellis, delivered his challenge after turning up the lane and motored into top gear from in deep stretch. However, his timing was a trifle off and he had to be content with second.

Sir South, who was competitive for the most part, showed another 11/4 lengths back under Aaron Chatrie as a 5-1 betting chance, while Saint Theresa, a 21-1 shot ridden by champion jockey Dick Cardenas, completed the frame in the field of eight.

Sir D, a four-year-old chestnut colt by Concerto out of Another Moochie (Southern Halo) and bred at Stud El Aguila in the USA, was winning for the fourth time from 18 career starts and earned $390,400 as the winner's share for a bankroll of $2,652,500 lifetime.