THE sixth renewal of the 9½-furlong Winston “Fanna” Griffiths O D Classic, run as the final of nine races, was the main attraction. This event was designed as a consolation opportunity for the owners of non-winners of any of the five Classics (1000 & 2000 Guineas, Oaks, Derby and Leger).

Dane Dawkins, the 2022 champion reinsman, aboard Stardom (3-1) was at his consummate best as he timed his effort to be in front two furlongs out. Saddled by Gary Subratie, Stardom (2-1), second in the 2000 Guineas from well off the pace, was tactically much earlier in the gallop. This was confirmed by both trainer and rider in their post-race interviews.

Stardom secured victory by three-quarters of a length over 5-2 chance I Love Birdie and was the second of two on the day for Dawkins. Earlier, the articulate reinsman was aboard He’s Sensational(2-1) — declared by owner/trainer Oral Hayden — a near five-length winner of race four, in the Restricted Allowance IV for native breds and imported five-year-olds & upwards with fewer than three career wins.

Race one, on a quiet, early Sunday afternoon and run at 5½ furlongs, was a claiming event for horses aged three years and upwards valued at $1 million or $800,000. Former six-time champion Omar Walker made winning look easier than it was in reality. Hail The Queen(9-1), under pressure from another speedster in the form of Natural Dancer (7-5) throughout but responding gamely to the skills of the all-time great reinsman, was 1½ lengths in front at the line.

On the bridle early, City Of Dreams (7-2) with Shane Richardson sitting motionless, dominated the early fractions of the six-furlong sprint. This was a Restricted Allowance II for three-year-olds with fewer than two wins. Conditioned by Peter-John Parsard, the US-bred but locally foaled colt was six lengths the best at the winning post.

Tevin Foster winning aboard Belleza Gris. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

It was 8-1 against Nebuchadnezzar (Tyrese Anderson) in the seven-furlong Restricted Allowance III race three for non-winners of four races at four years and up lifetime. Trained by former three-time titlist Anthony Nunes, the physically improved colt led inside the final furlong of the seven and won by the narrowest allowable margin of a nose over 3-1 bet Slam Sharp.

Race five for $700k-600k optional claiming tags was made to order for nine-year-old gelding
Money Monster (2-1), saddled by Adrian Prince and ridden by Philip Parchment, to be the best of eight starters over the 6½-furlong gallop to score by just under five lengths.

Title-seeking jockey Tevin Foster took charge of the proceedings from six to eight. In race six, for $350-250k optional or mandatory tags as per eligibility, former top-class campaigner, US-bred
I Am Fred (9-5), from the outfit of the four-time and reigning champion Jason DaCosta, won effortlessly by seven lengths.

The seventh, a Maiden Condition for three-year-olds and run over one mile, Native Isle (4-1), declared by Phillip Lee, was comfortably clear by nearly four lengths over the trip. Whilst the eighth required the full skill set of Foster to get Patrick Lynch’s Belleza Gris (3-1) home from in front by 1½ lengths over the 6½ furlongs of race eight.

The Training Feat Award is presented to Gary Subratie for the return to form of Stardom, The Kingston winner whose performances in the Derby and St Leger raised legitimate and concerning questions relating to stamina and zest. However, today’s performance is worthy of the Best Winning Gallop, with the criteria of speed, stamina and courage unquestionable. All things considered, Dane Dawkins takes the Jockeyship Award.