THREE-YEAR-OLD American-bred bay colt Pepper Stepper lived up to his name, making all the running to take the $1.25-million Gerry Skelton Memorial Trophy over five furlongs (1,000m) straight at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

Trained by Jason DaCosta and ridden by apprentice Shaheem Gordon, Pepper Stepper broke well and immediately seized the lead. He raced ahead of She’s That Girl (Raddesh Roman), Commander Z (Ian Spence), and Miss MoneyPenny (Tevin Foster) through the early stages.

He stayed comfortably with the field before kicking clear once crossing the dummy rails, going on to score by three lengths in the Overnight Allowance contest.

Of A Revolution (Reyan Lewis) finished well late to grab second, with Salute The Don (Dane Dawkins) back in fourth. Pepper Stepper stopped the clock in 58.2, continuing to show a clear liking for sprint races.

It was the second winner for DaCosta, who saddled Purosangue (Robert Halledeen) in the seventh race.

Also with two winners was apprentice rider Tajay Suckoo. Suckoo won aboard Tuts in the second race for owner-trainer Carlton Cunningham, and Whispering Magic in the sixth race for trainer Gary Subratie.

The action continues at the weekend with races on Saturday and Sunday.

— Ruddy Allen