Atlantic Blue makes winning start

Racing for the first time as a four-year-old, chestnut colt Atlantic Blue ( Strikeitwhileitshot – Luvable) got off to a winning start at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

Atlantic Blue, ridden by apprentice Kiaman McGregor, got home by 4-lengths in the Raeven Renae maiden condition race for native-bred four-year-olds and upward over the 5-furlong (1000m) straight course.

Although the time was a pedestrian of 1:03.3, it was the colt’s first run and hopefully with more room for improvement, he should be better for his second run and could win the first time of asking in the class above.

Mother Nature (Shane Ellis) led the field with April Spirit (Tevin Foster), Atlantic Blue and Dash of Class behind. However, as soon as the field motored past the dummy rails, Mother Nature and Atlantic Blue drew away from the field to stage a battle of their own.

Atlantic Blue proved the stronger of the two and began to edge away inside the final half-furlong (100m) for an easy win, pocketing $327,600 as the winner’s share of the purse.

Mother Nature was second 8 ½ lengths ahead of Jamaican Storm (Christopher Mamdeen).

Atlantic Blue is trained by Fitznahum Williams.

Old stager Phineas scores long overdue win

At age 10, former Invitational Mile winner Phineas has had his share of problems in his latter years. He has to be gingerly treated and taken care of and yet the old warrior continues to show spunk and a winning attitude.

On Saturday, Phineas notched his first win in a very long time in the Lady Bangalore Optional Claiming ($450,000-$400,000) event going over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m). With this journey seemingly unsuitable for the dark brown gelding at this stage in his career, Phineas (Kiaman McGregor) quickened like in days of old in deep stretch to blow away rivals by 6 lengths in a time of 1:36.2.

Trained by Phillip Lee, Phineas sat behind the pace in the early exchanges as Unbreakable (Javaniel Patterson) and Top Eagle alternated for the lead ahead of Luana (Reyan Lewis) and Reassurance (Omar Walker)

Phineas got into the mix while navigating the half-mile (800m) when he slipped down into fourth place on the inside rails behind Reassurance who picked up the running ahead of Top Eagle and Council of Trent (Linton Steadman).

Cutting the turn, Phineas took over at the top of the lane and just skittered away for a comprehensive win. Luana was second and Council of Trent third.

Princess Statistic rallies for well-earned victory with a change of equipment

Changes of racing equipment continue to play a vital part in the performances of horses. Such was the case on Saturday when seven-year-old bay mare Princess Statistic rallied to beat Princess Brianna in the Fire In Yu Wire Optional Claiming ($250,000-$200,000) over 5 furlongs (1000m) on the round course.

After finishing in fourth place by 1 ½ to Smokescreen over five furlongs straight on April 14, Princess Statistic returned to the races with the visor fitted by trainer Ian Alexander and that plus a determined ride from apprentice Raddesh Roman proved to be the winning combination.

Princess Statistic jumped to the front from the off over Jason’s Gold (Anthony Thomas) and Big Paul (Daniel Satchell) and after a couple of strides were take. At the half-mile (800m), Princess Statistic continued to lead with Princess Brianna (Oneil Mullings) slipping down into second place.

Princess Statistic, who hugged the inside rails all the way, gave up the lead to Princess Brianna at the top of the straight but under vigorous urgings from Roman was able to rally and beat Princess Brianna by a head. Final time was 1:03.4. Nuclear Commander (Reyan Lewis) was third.

Kiaman McGregor continues his good run

Apprentice Kiaman McGregor continues to bring home the winners this season. The young rider showing a lot more confidence in the saddle was aboard two winners on the 10-race programme.

McGregor won the second race – the Raeven Renae maiden condition race aboard first-time runner Atlantic Blue – and the third event – the Lady Bangalore Optional Claiming ($450,000-$400,000) event aboard Phineas.

With those two winners, McGregor took his tally for the season to 13.

Anthony Thomas doubles up

Defending champion, jockey Anthony Thomas continues to keep in touch with the leaders in the race for the 2019 jockey’s championship with a working double on the 10-race card.

Thomas won the first race after he produced Anna Lisa with a telling run in deep stretch to win the Mom’s Student Restricted Allowance event over 7 furlongs. The Gary Subratie-trained Anna Lisa won by 2 lengths over My Super Girl (Oneil Mullings) and Miss Formality (Omar Walker) in a time of 1:28.0.

Thomas’ second winner came aboard the Anthony Nunes-trained Prince Charles in the seventh race – the Lawrence Hussey Memorial Trophy over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m). Prince Charles won by 2 lengths ahead of Roy Rogers (Jordan Barrett) and Universal Boss (Robert Halledeen) in 1:07.3.

After those wins, fourth-place Thomas took his tally for the season to 22 winners which is nine wins behind leader Christopher Mamdeen, who is on 31 winners. Omar Walker and Reyan Lewis are tied with 28 winners each for second place.

Rohan’s Choice by disqualification

Rohan’s Choice earned the first win of his career following the disqualification of first by the post King Tavari in the Charles Hussey OD Trophy over 7 furlongs (1,400m).

Ridden by Reyan Lewis, Rohan Choice ( Traditional – Priceless Beauty) finished ¾ length behind King Tavari (Shane Ellis) in a time of 1:29.3.

After a steward’s inquiry and a jockey’s objection, the colours of King Tavari were taken down and Rohan’s Choice promoted to first place ahead of King Tavari.

The announcement from the steward’s was that King Tavari caused interference and intimidation to Rohan’s Choice inside the final furlong of the race. Sir Ian Links (Omar Walker) finished third.

Six horses claimed

Six horses were claimed on the 10-race programme.

Doctor Grey was taken from Richard Azan by Donovan Russell for owner Barrington Bernard and Top Eagle was claimed from Cashbert Khwalsingh by Oneil Markland for owner Henry Mitto from the third race. Both claims went for $450,000 each.

In the sixth race, Keisha Lawrence claimed Double Deal for herself from Patrick Taylor; Ryan Williams claimed Cue Three for owner Patrick McKenzie from Randolph Scott; Dennis Lee claimed Concur for himself from Gordon Lewis and Paul Charlton claimed Princess Brianna for owner Louis Richards from Lawrence Freemantle. All these claims were made for $250,000.