Mr Universe – a new speed dimension
Mr Universe raised the bar, if even by a notch or two, as far as top sprinting is concerned after galloping to a Stakes record win in the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) Trophy at Caymanas Park on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.
Ridden by Gary Richards, the Wayne DaCosta trainee ran the five-and-a-half-furlong (1,100m) Open Allowance event in a blistering 1:05.0 flat, erasing the old mark of 1:05.3 jointly held by Uppa Tune (2013) and Dreamcometrue (2016).
The versatile Another Bullet (Dick Cardenas) moved well in the closing part of the race for second place, with Orpheus (Linton Steadman) getting third in the three-year-old and upward event.
For owner Carlton Watson, the record run by Mr Universe was very special.
“Now he is in the big league. It took time and a lot of effort to get there, and I am really proud to be the owner of a horse like Mr Universe. Now, we have to wait to see how he handles the ‘big boys’, but for now I say, I am even more than happy with 1:05.0 on what seemed to be a slow track,” Watson said.
The feeling of joy was shared by DaCosta.
“It was a very good performance as he ran a new Stakes, and I am pleased. He [ Mr Universe] was able to get an easy lead from early, and once he gets an early lead he can dominate these. It was a pretty awesome run,” DaCosta indicated.
Although now going up in class to meet the best of the lot on offer, DaCosta said that once Mr Universe gets an easy lead, he can be competitive at the top level.
“He [ Mr Universe] is now in the top class and unless he wins one race up there, he will have to remain in that class for four months before he can back down to Open Allowance company.
“I think he will perform well in the Grade One sprint races — again, if he can get an easy lead. Sometimes running against the likes of Siempre Bueno, he won’t get an easy lead, but if he gets it then he will have a good chance. If he doesn’t get an easy lead he will be in problems,” said DaCosta.
It was a brilliant start by Mr Universe, as the chestnut colt shot to the front immediately after the gates opened and then began to open up on the field with every stride. Wong Don (Javaniel Patterson), Secret Traveller (Aaron Chatrie) and Zephyr (Dane Dawkins) chased Mr Universe at the half-mile (800m) stage of the race.
Turning for home on the inside rails, Richards extended his hold a bit and Mr Universe skittered away for an emphatic five-and-a-half-length win.
It was Mr Universe’s fourth win from seven starts this season.
