Tracking the effect equipment changes
There were two instances on last Saturday’s 10-race programme where changes in equipment made the difference between winning and losing. Batidor De Mundo returned without the cheek pieces and got the job done. Batidor De Mundo came with an electrifying run in the final 100 metres to win the fifth race by two-and-a-quarter lengths over the 1-5 favourite Titanic (Richards Mairs) in a fast 1:58:4 minutes for 1,820 metres. In the 10th race Lord Chepso won convincingly to release the maiden tag with the addition of the tongue tie. Trained by Patrick Lynch and ridden by Dick Cardenas, Lord Chepso won by four-and-a-quarter lengths over Bigman Ting (Dane Nelson) and Don Peppa Seed (Jevvanne Erwin) going 1,500 metres. The trend is continuing as astute changes of equipment are making the difference with the performance of many horses. Punters are again advised to notice and follow these changes.
OMAR WALKER RETURNS
Four time champion jockey Omar Walker after a brief riding stint in Canada has returned to ride at Caymanas Park. Walker who finished second to Dane Nelson last year in a ‘bruising’ race for the jockeys’ championship left Jamaica for Canada shortly after winning his first Classic race in April aboard Talented Tony K in the 2,000 Guineas. Walker has five rides on tomorrow’s nine-race card.
SIX HORSES CLAIM ON SATURDAY
Six horses were claimed on the 10-race programme at Caymanas Park on Saturday. Winchester McIntosh claimed Ovation for himself for $450,000 from the first race. In the second race, Steven Todd claimed Saint Theresa for himself for $250,000; I’m Alright was claimed for $250,000 by Ryan Darby for Raphael Gordon and Delicious claimed by Albert Chong for Donovan Russell for $230,000. El Patron was claimed for $180,000 by Ryan Darby for Raphael Gordon and Patrick Taylor claimed Miss Dorothy for himself for $180,000 from the sixth race.
SADIKI BLAKE QUIETLY BRINGING HOME THE WINNERS
Sadiki Blake is slowly but with confidence making his presence felt as an apprentice rider. This season he has ridden eight winners from 95 mounts, after finding it very difficult in the early part of his career to locate the winning post. Now, Blake is looking much better in the saddle and is riding with a lot more patience, determination and confidence. His latest winner came on Saturday when he steered the Norman Smith-trained Dior to victory. Continue to progress, Mr Blake.