In Dorval like fashion, trainer Richard Azan vaulted his charge Kronus into strong Derby contention after a come-from-behind win by a short head in yesterday’s Lotto Classic for the Governor’s Cup (10 furlongs) at Caymanas Park.

It was Azan who brought the then unknown Dorval to victory in the 1995 Governor’s Cup followed by a resounding win in the Derby three weeks later.

Kronus, with only one win from seven starts coming into the Lotto Classic, was left on the wayside by bettors going off at 22-1, as punters could not choose between Siempre Bueno and Seeking My Dream, both offering final odds of 2-1 as joint favourites.

Jockey Richard Mairs, who is having a dream season after winning the Jamaica Oaks in April on Mom’s Student, allowed Kronus (Liquidity – Surface To Air) to settle easily behind leaders Road Wi Seh, with Poker Star (Robert Halledeen up) and Siempre Bueno (Shane Ellis astride) hovering in close proximity. As expected Road Wi Seh gave up his front-running efforts after leaving the five-furlong marker as Ellis took Siempre Bueno into the lead with Poker Star latched on his inside. Seeking My Dream (Omar Walker astride) was gaining quickly as Kronus was not a visible threat at this stage.

Siempre Bueno entered the straight in the lead but by then Seeking My Dream had made his move and took over the race before Mairs brought Kronus with a telling final surge. Despite not giving an inch, Seeking My Dream lost it ‘in the glass’ as Kronus went by stunning race goers in the process.

The win provided Azan with his fourth triumph in the Lotto Classic, having done so in 1995 with Dorval, 2002 with Sir Donald, and 2011 with Erasmo. Only Dorval to date has gone on to win the Derby.

“This win is special, very special and also very surprising for the owners and myself, but based on the handicaps of the race, I gave my horse an outside chance. I was always of the opinion that Kronus wanted a distance of ground. He indicated that to me in his last two races and my analysis was justified by his victory here today (yesterday). His win today was a result of some very hard work,” Azan said.

“The next race is of course the Derby and I am looking forward to seeking Kronus running over 12 furlongs, but we will see what happens on Derby Day as other good horses will come into the picture,” Azan added.

For Mairs it was his first win in the Lotto Classic.

“There is no happier person at Caymanas Park right now than Richard Mairs. I waited on Kronus knowing he would easily get the trip, so when I saw the main horses make their move and I was not far behind I knew I had a good chance of winning.

“In the straight, when I asked Kronus to run he did so and despite not really changing his lead, got the job done,” Mairs said.

Kronus, who was bred YS (1955) Limited, won in a time of 2:09:3 minutes.

Secondary feature on the well supported 12-race Lotto day of racing, the Lotto Sprint Trophy went in dramatic fashion to Potcheen under Walker, who flew the last furlong and a half of the race, on the rails, to just nibble past Fortuneonehundred with Aaron Chatrie astride, and the speedball Talented Tony K (O’Brien White up), winning by a head. Potcheen recorded a winning time of 1:06.0 minutes.

Halledeen continued his rich vein of form riding three winners, Dripping In Gold, Miss Juanita, and Perfect Flyer in the nightcap.

Racing continues tomorrow (Labour Day) with 10 races with a Pick-9 carryover of close to $10 million.