KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jockey Mario Chong after waiting a long while to get his first winner doubled up with a fine display in the saddle aboard the Tensang Chung trained Chinamax. Victory for Chong and Chung came in the Caymanas Thursday fifth which was a three-year-old and upwards Optional Claimer ($550,000 - $500,000).
Chinamax was slowly out of his starting stall, but Chong was not perturbed, as he allowed his mount to slowly couple up on the inside rails.
While Chinamax was finding his way, Dane Nelson had Latapy on the lead.
Chinamax started his winning move after leaving the three-furlong pole going by Latapy to be in front when they turned for home.
Despite many challengers Chong got Chinamax to respond well to his direction, winning at the post by two lengths.
Mirabilis (Samantha Fletcher – chance ride) was second with third going to the fast-finishing Casual Peach (Ramon Nepare).
| RACE 5 3YO&UP OPTIONAL CLAIMING ($550,000-$500,000) 1600M/8FUR 2:45 PM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pos. | No. | Horse | Jockey | Odds | Win | Place | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 3 | Chinamax | Mario Chung | 3-2 | $127 | $90 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | 1 | Mirabilis | Samantha Fletcher | 6-1 | $175.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | 8 | Casual Peach | Ramon Nepare | 20-1 | $394.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 5 | Latapy | Dane Nelson | 9-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | 6 | Bloodsweatandtears | Phillip Parchment | 8-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Trainer: Tensang Chung | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samantha Fletcher rides #1 Mirabilis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Splits:24.2 x 48.2 x 1:14.3 - Time: 1:43.2 - Margins: 2 by a short head - 8 RAN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ex:$1,491 | T/Fecta:$2,486 | S/Fecta:$15,876 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| D/E:412 | Triple:$2,327 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pick-4:$5,070 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
