After a superb stretch run, Garrincha, under jockey Aaron Chatrie, burst through the pack on the inside rails and got up in time to nip KJ Express on the wire to win the $900,000 Restricted Allowance highlighter on the 10-race card at Caymanas Park, yesterday.

Garrincha, who was coming off a nearly five-month break, exploded in deep stretch, with Chatrie using his skills and confidence to get the better of KJ Express (Dick Cardenas) by a short head in the five-and-a-half-furlong (1,100m) event.

After dispatching early leader Golden Destiny (Reyan Lewis) and the chasing Sergeant Reckless (Oneil Mullings) at the top of the straight, KJ Express looked the winner when picking up the lead with a furlong and a half (300m), but could not withstand the late surge from Garrincha in the end.

Chatrie got a fair break aboard Garrincha and took his time rounding horses on the inside rails approaching the final bend. And when Chatrie said go entering the drive, Garrincha switched to another gear and powered his way to his second win.

Sergeant Reckless held off Brandy (Anthony Thomas) for third place. The final time for the event was a decent 1:06.3 with splits of 23.1 and 46.3.

Meanwhile, the Alty & Rita McKenzie Memorial Cup feature over a mile (1,600m) was won by Newton’s First Law, ridden by apprentice Kinnan McGregory. However, Newton’s First Law had to survive a steward’s inquiry before the apprentice could celebrate his first career win.

Also winning for the first time was apprentice Romario Smith, who triumphed aboard First’k’Boy in the first race. Former three-time champion jockey Dane “Warrior Chief” Nelson announced his return to the saddle at the Park with two brilliant winners.

Nelson, who had returned from Canada last week Thursday, won aboard Phenom in the fifth race and Golden Emperor in the eighth race. Nelson is now 10 winners away from winning 1,000 races at Caymanas Park.

Racing continues on Saturday with the Burger King-sponsored Super Race Day.

— Ruddy Allen