Double The Honey for DaCosta, Halledeen
IN a show of exactly why he is one of the leading contenders for the jockeys’ title, Robert Halledeen rode a truly great race on Double The Honey to win the top-rated Overnight Allowance event at Caymanas Park yesterday.
From a level break, Halledeen sent the Wayne DaCosta-trained Double The Honey to take a narrow lead over Rock Union (Aaron Chatrie up) and Red Flag (Paul Francis aboard).
Double The Honey took full control of the race turning for home, and despite the late appearance of The Guv (Shane Ellis astride) and Deo Volente (Marc Griffiths up), the strong and vigorous handling by Halledeen drove the eight-year-old bay horse by Double Honor – Ahoneyofabunny by Northern Prospect to a short head victory in the three-year-olds and upward contest over 1,200 metres.
The Guv and Deo Volente dead-heated for second, while Red Flag finished fourth in the 13-horse field. The winning time was 1:13.1 minutes.
Champion two-year-old from last season, Alacrann, under Dane Nelson, who was making his seasonal debut, was paced into third-to-last position leaving the half-mile and came with his usual late-running style to finish sixth, about two lengths behind the winner.
“He ran good for a horse to be running against older seasoned horses for the first time. He will surely benefit from this pipe-opener and will return a better animal,” Nelson said.
Double The Honey closed out a double for both Halledeen and DaCosta, as they earlier teamed up to win the third race with Ali Baba, one of the leading 2000 Guineas contenders.
Meanwhile, after two months out of the saddle because of injuries received in a fall, non-claiming apprentice Shamaree Muir was finally able to mount Supertrontics in the second race, one of his three rides on the 10-race programme.
It was an emotional, yet pleasing moment for Muir, as he was warmly greeted by racing fans at the track.
“It is really good to be officially back in the saddle. I am happy to be back and I feel OK while riding,” Muir told the Sunday Observer.
Racing continues next Saturday.
