IN a dramatic finish, Phineas with Wesley ‘Callaloo’ Henry turned on the heat in the final furlong of the Coca-Cola Invitational Mile to catch and beat top three-year-old and Derby winner Seeking My Dream (Robert Halledeen) by

a head.

Phineas, a six-year-old dark brown horse benefited from a front duel

involving shed row

mates Seeking My Dream and Fortuneonehundred, which produced splits of 23.3 and 45.1 seconds, before Seeking My Dream gained the upper hand in the straight. Then Henry brought Phineas with his run and a now tiring Seeking My Dream was defeated on the line.

Phineas (Distorted – Winning Spirit) also benefited from a substantial weight difference, carrying seven kilogrammes less than his younger rival Seeking My Dream.

Trainer of Phineas, Andrew McDonald, was confident of victory.

“The last workout Phineas did before the race, he ran 1:12.0 minutes for six furlongs quite easily, and I then fully realised that he had as good a chance as any in the race. He (Phineas) was fit and ready, and he ran as well as he worked in the mornings.

“I am really happy for all connected with my horse, the owner, and the groom,” McDonald said.

Jockey Henry told the Jamaica Observer that when he asked Phineas to go, the horse just moved and did the job.

“We broke well and when I saw the two horses (Fortuneonehundred and Seeking My Dream) battling for the lead. I just waited, then I made my move a furlong and a half out and Phineas did the rest,” a beaming Henry said.

Phineas, who is owned by Nical, ran a creditable final time of 1:37.2 minutes for the mile.