When favourite Poker Star pitched and then ditched his rider shortly after the start, stable companion Perfect Neighbour seized the opportunity courtesy of a stirring stretch run to win the $1.2 million Lady Geeta Trophy feature at Caymanas Park yesterday.

All eyes were on Poker Star as the bay gelding and reigning champion sprinter, who was gunning for his fifth consecutive victory, made a bad step, causing jockey Robert Halledeen to fall right off after the gates opened for the 1,200 metres feature. Halledeen, according to medical personnel on duty, suffered no injury and was cleared and sent home.

With no Poker Star in the race Uppa Tune (Bebeto Harvey up) shot into an early uncontested lead over Perfect Neighbour, under Omar Walker, and Potcheen (Jevvanne Erwin astride) approaching the half mile.

Turning for home still in second position with Uppa Tune looking all over a winner a furlong and a half out, Perfect Neighbour, trained by Wayne DaCosta, produced an exhilarating stretch run to beat Uppa Tune by three parts of a length. The final time was a slow 1:12.2 minutes. Potcheen finished third ahead of Hover Craft, the mount of Jerome Innis.

Champion apprentice Linton Steadman, rode his second triple in as many race days.

Steadman won aboard Ballon D’Or (first race), Winesha (ninth race) and Genuine Friend (11th race).

Racing continues next Saturday with the running of the season’s first two Classic races — the 1,000 Guineas (fillies only) and 2,000 Guineas (colts and geldings). Both races are sponsored by Post to Post betting company.