Former champion jockey Anthony Thomas signalled early intention that he is out to reclaim top honours as he secured a dazzling three winners on Saturday’s 10-race card, including Alford Brown’s Yellowstone in the feature George HoSang Trophy over five and a half furlongs (1,100m) at Caymanas Park.

Thomas, who lost last year’s championship by a mere winners to Dane Dawkins, took a couple weeks off to catch his breath but has since returned in his usual no-nonsense mood.

Though Yellowstone was up in class for the first time to bid for a hat-trick of wins, he showed no such weakness and with competent handling from Thomas, left more fancied rivals in his wake in the Non-Restricted Overnight Allowance contest.

The talented four-year-old chestnut gelding (Sensational Slam – Awry) left the gates in good order from the wide number 12 draw but was patiently held by Thomas, as Emperorofthecats (Paul Francis) and Super Duper (Reyan Lewis) disputed the lead.

When they left the half-mile, Thomas let Yellowstone loose and they soon rounded the leaders in the stretch run where the St Mary-based jockey maintained his composure and shook the challenge of favourite Nuclear Noon (Tevin Foster) to win by one and three quarter lengths. Taurus Boy (Javaniel Patterson) closed for third with Emperorofthecats completing the frame.

The final time was 1:07.2 behind splits of 23.3 and 47.1 seconds.

Thomas earlier won aboard Phillip Feanny’s American Divine Force in the second event and Xceptional Babz for trainer Norman Smith in the eighth to take his tally to five so far this season.

In-form Roger Hewitt had a double aboard Queen Adele in the opening event for trainer Arnold Rambally Jr and Fitznahum Williams’s JJthestriker in the sixth event.

Meanwhile, Dennis Thwaites topped all trainers with two winners in Roulette Boss in the fourth and Denbigh Life in the fifth.