The Patrick Lynch-conditioned Strong Aveenu wrapped up his preparation for the 2000 Guineas with an encouraging win in the $1.1-million Monday Morning Trophy at Caymanas Park on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Ridden by Dane Dawkins, Strong Aveenu (Aveenu Malcainu – Ruby Rose) beat Super David with Phillip Parchment by a length in the Restricted Allowance II contest for native-bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) over 7 furlongs (1,400m). The final time was 1:27.3.

Minnehaha with Tyrese Anderson, who finished fourth on the track, was promoted to third after third-place finisher Charming Chaterbox and Tevin Foster were disqualified.

“He’s a nice horse, very nice horse. He has been giving me good results. In the mornings he has done everything I asked him to do,” Dawkins said.

“The key was to get a good break, and I did just that. I relaxed him all the way until we reached the three furlongs, then I asked him to run and he picked up. In the straight I started to ride him and he responded very well. I wasn’t in any concern throughout the race. I felt the horse I have underneath me and knew that whenever I asked him to go, he would respond,” he added.

The 2000 Guineas, the season’s first Classic for colts and geldings, is set for June 7 over one mile (8 furlongs/1600m).

—Ruddy Allen