Trainer daCosta completes 1-2-3 in 2000 Guineas
CHAMPION trainer Jason daCosta stole the show at Caymanas Park on Sunday as he led a one-two-three finish in the 2000 Guineas, with California Crown winning in an impressive display. Ridden by Robert Halledeen, California Crown won by one and three quarter lengths in a time of 1:42.3 at odds of 3-1.
Interestntimesahead, who went off as the 1-5 favorite with leading jockey Tevin Foster in the saddle, was second, while third place went to
Provident with jockey Josue Osorio.
Jason, the son of legendary Jamaican trainer Wayne daCosta who passed away in 2021, said he was not surprised by the one-two-three placing.
“I was expecting them to all run well because they all came into the race well and so I am expecting great performances from them,” he said. “I am very happy with the results because it was a lot of hard work, but it paid off and so I am happy with the results,” he added.
California Crown, who led from gate to wire, held off a late challenge from the fast-finishing Interestntimesahead in the last half-furlong of the event.
Halledeen, who was winning the fifth Guineas race of his career, expressed joy at his victory.
“I am very happy for this win because I am working this horse in the mornings and so I know his abilities and so I am always confident that he will do well,” he said. “This horse is improving rapidly and so I am expecting great things from him for the remainder of the Classic season,” said Halledeen who booted home three winners on Sunday’s nine-race card.
His other winners were Tekapunt in the second race and Whizz Kidd in the fifth race. Tekapunt was daCosta’s other winner on Sunday’s card.