MAMMA Mia, the 4-5 favourite in the $1.25-million Arthur Jones Memorial Cup feature, lived up to expectations and delivered with a win in the six-furlong (1,200m) sprint at Caymanas Park on Saturday. Owned by Carlton Watson and trained by Jason DaCosta, the talented mare was ridden to victory by Robert Halledeen.

From the starting gate Mamma Mia took an early lead and navigated the half-mile turn at a relaxed pace. As the field entered the straight she opened up on her rivals and looked like an easy winner. However, Fearless Force, ridden by Tyrese Anderson, staged a late surge that caught the eye but Mamma Mia held on to win by three quarters of a length. Perfect Brew, ridden by Raddesh Roman, secured third place. The winning time was 1:13.1 (23.1 x 47.1 x 59.4).

This victory marked the second win of the day for the combination of Watson, DaCosta, and Halledeen, showcasing their winning chemistry. They had earlier teamed up with Mineola to win the seventh race.

The day’s racing also highlighted the skills of jockeys Raddesh Roman and Phillip Parchment, each securing two wins. Roman’s wins were Rocket Fire Seb, in the second race, and Boss Man in the third. Parchment was successful aboard Bella Bella and Millinium Star in the fifth and sixth races, respectively.

Racing continues on Saturday.