RACE ONE
The first event started with seven runners declared to race in a five-year-old (non-two) call. The field was reduced to six with Mule Train declared a late non-starter, with the official reason given as not eligible. Then horse number one Champion Mickaela was added to the list of non-starters, rejected at the gates by the vet on duty. When the race itself started, the jockey (Paul Francis) on the even-money favourite Fearless Vibe was thrown from his mount, while horse number two Audibility bolted, taking no part in the event. That left three horses to compete, with Slamsilano (Samantha Fletcher) taking the lead and that was that, winning by seven furlongs. For Fletcher it was another display of her continued growth.
RACE TWO
Two former champion jockeys Shane Ellis on Bi Guy In TheSky, and Omar Walker on Boasey locked horns from the start of this seven-furlong contest. Filly Boasey got the better of the colt in a close finish, with Ellis filing a jockey’s objection, which was overturned. Third-placed Truly Begotten Son is one to watch as he was coming on in the final furlongs.
RACE THREE
Champion trainer Jason DaCosta landed the first on the day with Iannai Links handled by Reyan Lewis. This was the fourth career win by Iannai Links, making his next run in Overnight Allowance. It now appears that with jockey Anthony Thomas no longer in the DaCosta camp, the void is being filled by Lewis and Robert Halledeen. Halledeen is excepted to continue his time in the US, leaving Lewis as the main rider at the DaCosta stables.
RACE FOUR
As anticipated, the well-backed nine-year-old Secret Traveller provided the in-form jockey Roger Hewitt with his second win this season.
RACE FIVE
Wifey Sez So obliged as the 4-5 favourite, giving champion jockey Dane Dawkins his first winning mount in 2023.
