APPROPRIATELY named, Impressive Force (USA), schooled by former 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny and bet at odds of 1-5, ran a very fast time to win the opening event over the 1,000-metre straight course.

The imported three-year-old maiden colt — who won by six and a half lengths running against a very strong headwind — stopped the clock at 58 seconds flat, with champion Reyan Lewis executing the riding honours.

Ridden by Oniel Mullings for owner/trainer Errol Subratie Drone Strike (2-5), winner of the 2017 Jamaica Derby, cantered over five rivals during the 800 metres of the straight of race two for $250,000 claimers.

The third odds-on favourite to win in succession was 1-2 bet Eagle One (USA), saddled by champion Jason DaCosta, the victor by over eight lengths, and who was to be the first of three successes for popular reinsman Robert Halledeen.

Race four, run at 1,600 metres, had a dramatic turn when first past the post and evens favourite Waterman John (Raddesh Roman) was disqualified for intimidation of and interference with the runner-up Dimetry P (10-1), ridden by Victor Sanchez for trainer Colin Ferguson.

As the stewards’ deliberations of race four’s result ensued, the discussion by the patrons in the North Lounge ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime. The backers of Waterman John lost their ability to instantly take an objective view of the facts.

There was undoubtedly repeated interference in the straight by the offending
Waterman John. Roman was unable, unwilling or this toxic combination, to keep his mount galloping straight on a true line.

As they entered the final 200 metres Sanchez, in an effort to take evasive action, pushed Roman as the bumping match got more intense. The interpretation and application of JRC Rule # 201 allows for this response by Sanchez. Clearly Roman’s breaches were, quoting the rule, “intimidation, improper, dangerous, reckless and careless riding”.

Roman’s performance met the criteria comfortably in all respects, therefore to disqualify was an easy decision for the stewards. On the day, Roman’s only legal winner came in race nine.

This was Division One of the divided Eros Trophy, with 4-5 favourite Sensational Move — saddled by Gary Subratie — scoring by four lengths over the 1,000-metre straight course.

Trainer Peter-John Parsard earned his only winner on the day in the 1,400-metre race five with 4-5 bet Geolithic (USA), ridden by Paul Francis to a three-length victory advantage.

For the opener of a double, leading reinsman Tevin Foster won race six, run at 1,500 metres aboard Mr Senator (6-5) for Anthony Nunes.

Foster’s closing leg came in the eighth over the 1,000-metre round course with three-year-old maiden colt Bush Fire (9-5), declared by Anthony Smith.

Halledeen’s second of his three-timer came in race seven with Patrick Lynch’s 21-1 shot maiden colt Chief Dissident — a near two-length winner.

It was 3-1 against Norblar in the second division of the Eros Trophy, and Halledeen confirmed his triple success when he guided the Gresford Smith-owned and -trained colt to a two-length margin of victory.

The Training Feat Award is presented to Smith for the improvement of Norblar who, at times, must have been a challenge to keep race-ready but nevertheless delivered the Best Winning Gallop of the day.

Halledeen secures the Jockeyship Award for his triple success in the deployment of different aspects of his skill set.