BANADURA, the Jason DaCosta-trained bay filly, began her Classic campaign with an eye-catching victory in the 30th running of the $1.2-million Hotline Stakes main event at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

The Hotline Stakes, an important prep race on the Road to the Triple Crown series of races for native-bred three-year-old fillies, was run over six furlongs (1,200 metres).

Banadura, owned by Milade Azan and ridden by Robert Halledeen, won the Restricted Allowance II race by three lengths in 1:15.3 (23.2 x 48.0), defeating
Cryptogirl (Omar Walker) and Comehometome (Reyan Lewis).

Banadura took the lead at the start but Halledeen backed the far-striding filly off the pace, allowing Cryptogirl to take over at the five-furlong (1,000m) marker.
Banadura followed Cryptogirl around the half-mile (800m) turn before recovering the lead shortly after turning for home.

With a couple change of holds and a few cracks from the whip of Halledeen, Banadura changed through gear and left rivals in her wake on her way to an easy win at the wire.

It was the second winner for the team of Azan, DaCosta, and Halledeen as they had earlier teamed up with first-time runner Chocomo (USA) to win the second race of the day.

Jockey Raddesh Roman booted home four winners on the 10-race card including Desert of Malibu in the $1.4-million Saint Cecelia Cup, an Open Allowance event for three-year-olds and upward over six and a half furlongs (1,300m).

His other winners were Battle Angel in the fourth race for trainer Anthony Nunes, KP Choice for trainer Ricardo Brown in the sixth race, and Dodge This Link for trainer Ryan Darby in the seventh event.

Racing continues today when the native-bred three-year-old colts and geldings take centre stage in the 29th running of the $1.2-million Sir Howard Stakes feature. The first post is at noon.