IN a display of sheer dominance befitting the Philip Feanny Gold Cup, Jamaica’s premier handicap spectacle, the Rohan Crichton-conditioned Legacy Isle emphatically asserted his supremacy with a resounding triumph in Saturday’s $2.5-million affair.

This seven-furlong (1,400m) Graded Stakes/Open Allowance encounter transcended mere competition — it stood as a coveted ‘Win and You’re In’ passport to December’s ultra-esteemed Mouttet Mile, thereby amplifying the intensity for all 10 participants vying for glory.

Burdened with 56.0kg (123lb) and guided by Raddesh Roman, Legacy Isle catapulted to the forefront at the lane’s apex, repelling every adversary en route to a hard-fought, half-length victory at the wire. Rideallday, carrying 51.0kgs (112 lb) and entering the race unbeaten in five starts, was relegated to second place under Paul Francis’s handling, while Pack Plays (Ramon Nepare) claimed third, and Supernatural Power (Dick Cardenas) rounded out the quartet.

The final time for the race was a decent 1:24.1 (23.2 x 46.3 x 1:110).

Former champion jockey Dane Dawkins was not to be left out of the celebration party as he topped the riders with three winners on the nine-race card. He won the third race aboard Crown Chaser for trainer Anthony Nunes, the fourth race aboard Sudden Flight for trainer Saqlain Roman, and the seventh race aboard
Mark My Identity for trainer Byron Davis.

The action continues on Sunday with a 10-race card starting at 11:45 am.

— Ruddy Allen