IN a dominant display, former Jamaica Derby Classic champion Drone Strike claimed his sixth career win in the second event on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

Now competing in claiming, the seasoned campaigner brought back days of old in a five-year-old and upward Optional Claiming ($250,000-$200,000) race that also included six-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) who have not finished first to third this year, and native-bred five-year-old (maidens).

Trained by Errol Subratie and ridden by Oneil Mullings, Drone Strike produced a strong performance as he made a single, decisive move to win the race with ease, crossing the finishing line 8½ lengths clear of his rivals in a time of 50.1 (25.2 x 37.3) over the four-furlong distance.

This was Drone Strike’s first victory since July 5, 2021.

Drone Strike left his starting barrier swiftly, claiming the lead ahead of Timetosaygoodbye (Roger Hewitt), April Spirit (Raddesh Roman), and Boss Izzy (Shavon Townsend). As the field approached the midpoint, Drone Strike remained in control, his rivals struggling to keep pace. However, it was shortly after crossing the dummy rails that he truly asserted his dominance by pulling away with a devastating turn of speed.

Fiery Path (Ramon Nepare) came on for second place ahead of April Spirit, who finished in third place.

Drone Strike is a nine-year-old bay gelding bred by Sorrentino out of the Touch Gold mare Santa Baby.