RACING NEWS…RACING NEWS…RACING NEWS
The claiming box was busy on Saturday as a total of 10 horses were claimed on the 10-race programme. The winner of the first race, Pizarro was claimed from Carlos Leung by Rudolph Hardial for owner Charlie’s Angel, while Fortuneonehundred was claimed from Leroy Tomlinson by Adin Williams for himself. Both horses were claimed for $350,000. Rowan Mathie claimed Golden Bullet for owner Vincent Maine from Wayne DaCosta; Delroy Wisdom claimed Zackontheattack for owner Big D Racing Stables from Dennis Lee; Johnny Wilmot claimed Markofaprince for owner Carlton Watson from Marlon Anderson, and Prince McDonald claimed Cup O’ Tea for owner Derrick Gayle, also from Anderson. All claims went for $450,000.
In the sixth race on a $180,000 claiming tag, Johnny Wilmot lost Maria’s Glory to Roy Matthews for owner Soldier Camp; Ryan Williams took King Nebarue from Linton Calder for owner Desmond Dallas; Donovan Russell claimed Sunshine City for owner Millicent Thomas from Patrick Fong, and Gresford Smith claimed Fiery Path for himself from Donovan Plummer.
EQUIPMENT CHANGE DOES IT FOR TOUGH COOKIE
When favourite Mr Pantheon (Shane Ellis) bolted and was scratched from the second race, Tough Cookie seized the opportunity to release the maiden tag.
Tough Cookie, trained by Errol Waugh, with an equipment change after the blinkers were removed and the hood and Figure 8 fitted, just held on by a nose in the four furlong, (800m) event with Natalie Berger in the saddle.
Smash Alert (Larris Allen) went to the front but after the first-furlong Tough Cookie went by and began to open up with every stride.
Tough Cookie was clear at the furlong (200m) and, although Berger eased down on the gas pedal, the chestnut filly was just able to score over the fast-finishing Prince Malik (Phillip Parchment) in the end. Smash Alert was third.
GOLDEN BULLET STRIKES
With his last two races at the Overnight level being under par performances, Golden Bullet took a drop to claiming ($450,000-$400,000) and had no difficulties when putting away Meet Justin by a 1 ½ lengths going seven furlongs (1,400m) on Saturday.
Ridden by Omar Walker for Wayne DaCosta, Golden Bullet watched as Zackontheattack (Anthony Thomas) led for most of the way.
Golden Bullet eventually took over proceedings entering the lane and pulled away for an easy victory.
Meet Justin (Dane Nelson) came late but couldn’t catch Golden Bullet, while Commanding Aviator (Aaron Chatrie) came late for third.
The winning time was 1:27.2.
ONEIL SCOTT CONTINUES TO MAKE PROGRESS
Oneil Scott continues to make his presence felt as an apprentice rider. This season he has so far ridden 13 winners from 77 mounts, after finding it very difficult in the early part of his career.
Now, Scott is looking much better in the saddle and is riding with a lot more patience, determination and confidence.
His 13 winners have enabled him to remain in fourth spot behind fellow batch mate Anthony Thomas (22 winners), former champions Shane Ellis (20 winners), and Dick Cardenas (15 winners).
Scott’s latest win came last Saturday when he steered the Gregory Forsyth-owned and -trained Court Call to victory going seven furlongs (1,400m).
Scott broke Court Call well to be in second place for most of the way behind Fiery Path (Shane Ellis).
Court Call continued to trail Fiery Path until in deep stretch when he drew alongside and, after a brief battle, powered home to win by 1 ¾ lengths in 1:30.1.
JOSEPH THOMAS A WINNER
Trainer Joseph Thomas won his first race of the season when jockey Shane Ellis guided Nuclear Force to the winning post by 2 1/2 lengths going seven furlongs.
Nuclear Force was in close touch with the leaders as Prince Sammo (Dane Nelson) and The Nextbigting (Oneil Mullings) vied for the lead.
The two leaders continued to dictate the pace while Nuclear Force was gearing up behind for the stretch run. In deep stretch Nuclear Force came with a strong run, picked up the lead and went on her way.
Ninelifecat (Anthony Thomas) finished second, with Smokescreen (Jerome Innis) third. The final time was 1:30.2.