It was 19/1 against Divine Force (USA), turned out in superb condition by former 14-time champion Philip Feanny to win in the featured Yvonne Mattis Cup run as race nine.
Assuming the lead with over eight of the nine-furlong contest remaining, Delroy Beharie distributed the speed and stamina of the of the five-year-old horse perfectly to be three lengths clear at the finish for another of this rider’s rare successes.
In contrasting tactical approach, former six-time champion Omar Walker, whose last title was in 2016 turned back the clock on two occasions on the nine-race card. In the five furlongs round the opening event, restricted to four-year-old non-winners of two races, on the 9-5 backed Tuts.
The mare did not respond immediately when her post position gate nine was released. However, the title record-holding reinsman got her in stride quickly to establish an early and convincing advantage which she maintained by two lengths to the line for owner/trainer Adin Williams’ first win of the season.
Walker, in partnering the Anthony Nunes trained 10/1 shot Queen of Soul to a victory of just over one length for the first of a stable double, brought her from off the pace to exploit a gap on the far rails inside the last 50 yards to win the five-and-a half-furlong gallop of race six.
Brompton Alex (9-2), conditioned by Phillip Lee, came for 13 lengths adrift to win his previous event but pursued the early pacemaker in this event over five furlongs round to secure the first of two wins for claimer Rickie Shakes.
The second for Shakes was confirmed when Kencia (4-5), declared by Steven Todd, won race three from in front by a margin of a length and a quarter. Kencia was a chance ride for Shakers as nominated rider Tajay Suckoo was down on the day.
Miss Joy Haynes, 2024 graduate of the Jamaica Racing Commission Riding School (JRCRS) had her lifetime unforgettable moment in race four. Her first career success came aboard Little Grovy Thing (1-1), saddled by Ricardo Brown to win the five-furlong event, run over the straight course by a head.
Race five, over the straight course went to Prince Kazaire (9/1), ridden by another member of 2024 JRCRS class Demar Williams, for trainer Adrian Young, to enhance the promising showing of these riders,
Former two-time titlist Shane Ellis secured the first of a double with Anthony Nunes’ Another One (3-5) taking race seven. This win, the Mother’s Day Special Event over five furlongs straight course was achieved by leading and lasting home by a half a length to close that stable’s double.
Ellis followed up with 2024 Two Thousand Guineas third Provident (1-5), trained by Jason DaCosta, proving to be three lengths and a quarter the best over the seven furlongs of race eight.
