IN the one-mile 2,000 Guineas, Talented Tony K went in front and just moved further and further away to win by seven lengths at Caymanas Park yesterday.

In the 10-furlong Lotto Classic run for the Governor’s Cup, Talented Tony K, allowing lumps of weight to his 12 rivals, started out in front but allowed known speedster Sparkling Michaela to overtake him going around the first bend.

Big race jockey Shane Ellis simply watched and when the right time came slipping past the five furlong marker, Talented Tony K went in front, and despite a spirited stretch run by Relampago, he was able to ward off all pursuers to win by a short head from Relampago who was two lengths ahead of Rocketman. Final time was 2:08. 3 minutes.

With shouts of ‘soup’, ‘soup’ from trainer Lorne Kirlew from his position atop the roof at Caymanas Park, Talented Tony K confirmed his undeniable position as the top three-year-old in the land.

For Kirlew, it was another magical moment in his young career as a trainer.

“He trained so well. He has improved before my very eyes in the mornings. ‘Talented’ is just moving from strength to strength. Today (yesterday), he showed that indeed he is a talented horse,” he said.

Shortly, Kirlew and the owners of Talented Tony K, Jigzy Blade will have to make a decision on whether to keep Ellis on board for the June 14 Derby or call for the services of Omar Walker, who is currently in Canada and who piloted the Traditional-Ocean Liner bay colt to victory in the Guineas.

For Ellis, it was his second win in the Lotto Classic having ridden All Correct to victory in 2012, a race given to him in the stewards’ room.

Talented Tony K was Ellis’ second Classic winner for the year, having ridden Raeven Renae to victory in the Jamaica Oaks.