THREE-TIME defending champion jockey Dane Nelson was at his typical best when guiding the Harry Parsard-conditioned Uppa Tune to a commanding triumph in the Chairman’s Trophy feature at Caymanas Park yesterday.

The versatile American-bred, six-year-old horse by Concorde’s Tune-Uppa Hughie by Secret Prince won by six-and-a-half lengths in the Grade Stakes event for three-year-olds and upwards going over 1,500 metres.

All Correct (Paul Francis up) came running on in deep stretch for second ahead of Pete’swildone (O’Brien White aboard) in third with Perfect Neighbour, the mount of Shamaree Muir, completing the frame in the eight-horse field.

The Ultra-talented Boy Wonder, who was gunning for his seventh consecutive victory after chasing the winner turning for home, faded badly into a disappointing seventh place as the firm 6-5 favourite.

Owned by PJK Team, Uppa Tune covered the distance in a career best 1:31:0 minutes, setting splits of 24:0, 46:1 and 1:10:2 minutes.

From a level break, Uppa Tune was hustled up to take the lead over All Correct and Boy Wonder passing the 1,200-metre mark. Cruising nicely on lead without any real challenge, when asked to go by Nelson, Uppa Tune responded well and sprinted away from the field approaching the home bend for his first win this year and 11th overall.

It was the second win on the 11-race programme for Nelson as he earlier won aboard Sir Roland in the first race for trainer Anthony Nunes.

Also riding two winners were Omar Walker and Shane Ellis.

Racing continues today with a nine-race programme.

— Ruddy Allen