THR EE-YEAR-OLD chestnut colt California Crown has made a solid case for himself ahead of next month’s Jamaica 2000 Guineas Classic race with a decisive victory in the $1.1-million Monday Morning Trophy feature race on Sunday’s nine-race card.

The race was a Restricted Allowance II contest for native-bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and upward (maidens) over seven furlongs (1,400m), and California Crown (Hedge Fund – Dream Big) easily defeated rivals by four lengths in a smooth 1:28.1 (23.1 x 46.2 x 1:13.1).

California Crown, under the guidance of Robert Halledeen, broke off well at the start and tracked Amma (Josue Osorio) from second position down the backstretch. Still wrapped tightly, California Crown continued his steady gallop well into the half-mile (800m) turn before striking the front full of running as the distance approached.

With no genuine rivals coming forward in the stretch the Jason DaCosta-conditioned California Crown comfortably won his second race in a straight, finishing ahead of Riches to Rags (Shane Richardson) and Amma.

It was the second winner of the day for DaCosta as the champion conditioner saddled Brown Skin Girl (Abigail Able) in the seventh event over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m).

Also with two winners on the programme was champion jockey Reyan Lewis. Lewis was successful aboard Wilson in the third race for trainer Patrick Taylor, and atop Undisclosdlocation for three-time former champion trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes in the day’s fifth event.

Racing continues on Thursday.