Jockey Roger Hewitt continues winning form on Bin Laden
Non-claiming apprentice Roger Hewitt continued to make his presence felt after notching win number 24 this season with a brilliant ride aboard the Joseph Thomas-conditioned Bin Laden in the third race on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
Bin Laden‘s triumph came in a three-year-old and up Optional Claiming ($400,000-$300,000) event that included native-bred five-year-olds and up (non-winners of three) and six-year-olds (non-winners of four) over one mile (1,600m).
When the gates opened, Bin Laden raced fourth place, trailing Bigmanbiden (Ramon Nepare), Sunshine Cat (Javaniel Patterson), and Quanna (Jordan Barrett).
Hewitt urged his mount as they approached the seven-furlong (1,400m) pole, and Bin Laden dropped down into second position, trailing Bigmanbiden down the backstretch.
Hewitt pulled Bin Laden back as they approached the half-mile (800m) turn, allowing Sunshine Cat to pass in pursuit of Bigmanbiden, who appeared to be strong on the front end.
As Bigmanbiden began to fade in deep stretch, Bin Laden picked up the tempo, racing home to win by 2 3/4 lengths.
Second was Sunshine Cat and third was Bigmanbiden. The final time was 1:45.0 (24.2 x 48.2 x 1:13.4).