TRACKING THE THREE-YEAR-OLDS

After a disappointing sixth place finish in the Hotline Stakes on February 25, the Gary Subratie-trained Sarah Lee (Taqarub – Sarah Barracuda) returned last Saturday in a Restricted Allowance event.

With Percy Williams riding in the popular colours of Michros,

Sarah Lee, who was sent off as a 21-1 betting option, raced in close touch behind the speedyStanislaus (Oneil Mullings), who was hooked in a front running battle withDon’t Blush Babe (Wesley Henry) on the far side.

Clearing the dummy rails in the 1,000-metre straight event, Williams produced his mount and

Sarah Lee responded well in the final half-a-furlong to get up in the nick of time, beatingWong Don (Odeen Edwards), andStanislaus. The time was an encouraging 59.0 seconds.

After the race Subratie said that he is hoping his charge can get the distance of a mile (1,600m), which is the journey of the 1,000 Guineas, to be run on April 8.

“I am proud of her. It was a very good performance by

Sarah Lee to win here. I was a bit disappointed with the race she ran in the Hotline because I knew that she is better than that.

“I expected her to run a good race today (Saturday) and we got a win, so I am pleased. We are now in a much better position to analyse her situation.

“At this time, I don’t know if she can stay a distance of ground but we are going to try her,” Subratie stated.

Williams said after the race: “The performance, I believe was good. The owner (Michael Bernard) wanted me to ride this horse for the longest while now as he said that she (

Sarah Lee) would fit my riding style. He asked the trainer and I got the mount. I rode her according to how the race was run and we got lucky and won,” Williams said.

For Williams, it was a signal day as he was riding his first winner in many months in Jamaica.

“Winning races abroad and coming back from abroad to Caymanas Park to win again is always good,” Williams said. He continued:” I do not know how long I will be here but as long as I am here I am going to be in the saddle.”