THERE was high drama in the day’s top-rated event at Caymanas Park as the $1.4-million Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward was decided off the track on Saturday.

On the track it was Desert of Malibu, with Dane Dawkins in the saddle, who looked to have won it. In a driving over the five-furlong (1,000m) round trip Desert of Malibu got home by a neck over Rainsville (Raddesh Roman), with California Crown (Tevin Foster) just a length and half further back in third.

But as soon as they crossed the line the inquiry sign went up, and Foster lodged an objection against Dawkins for interference in deep stretch. After a lengthy look at the replay the stewards agreed and the numbers were changed.

Desert of Malibu was disqualified from first and placed third, the win was awarded to Rainsville, and California Crown was promoted to second. The final time was 1:00.1 (23.2 x 47.1).

Rainsville was one of two winners for Roman, who also won aboard King Cush for trainer Ricardo Brown in the eighth race.

Leading rider Tevin Foster also saddled two winners, Victorious Links in the fourth race, and Girvano for trainer Jason DaCosta in the Kenneth Mattis Memorial Cup feature.

Racing continues on Sunday.

— Ruddy Allen