On another eerily quiet early Sunday afternoon, with sun blazing down and a very strong southerly trying in vain to lower the temperature, the horses and handlers were perceptibly uncomfortable.
This was a stark reminder of the reality of global climate change, and the industry is especially challenged in the keep and care of thoroughbreds for racing.
With the wind against the runners in the opener, a Restricted Allowance III, Hickory Slim at odds of 5-2 declared by veteran Donovan Phillipps with Robert Halledeen astride, was the best. The victory margin was just over three lengths when the gallop over the five-furlong straight course ended.
A Maiden Special Weight for horses four years and older run as race two had a special designation with only winless riders since March eligible for declaration. Former five-time champion jockey Winston Griffiths saddled his first winner in transitioning into the expansive cohort of trainers. Alaeddin (1-2), ridden by Carlos Blake, galloped to the front well inside the final furlong of the five-furlong straight course to win by 1¼ lengths.
The Restricted Allowance IV race three went to Kusmi (2-1) trained by former three-time champion Anthony Nunes and ridden by Tajay Suckoo. The four-year-old bay filly, a progeny of Sensational Slam was nearly 12 lengths clear of her nearest rival.
In race four for $700k claimers on the straight course, Rejected Raja at even money and prepared by Alford Brown, took title-chasing jockey Tevin Foster to a decisive four-length win.
In race five, a Maiden Condition for three-year-olds, it was 59-1 against Tom Duly, trained by Rowan Mathie with apprentice Emelio McClean declared. Although running greenly and drifting left inside the final furlong of the five straight event, the Hedge Fund colt got home by a head.
Another upset winner followed with the near-unpredictable return to form by Millinium Star (9-1). This winner of race six, run on the straight for $200k claimers was saddled by Marlon Anderson with Millinium Star the first of a riding double for Ramon Nepare.
At odds of 9-5 favourite, Lexi Lou was an easily predictable winner of race seven restricted to three-year-old fillies yet to win two races. This was the featured Titania Trophy. Trained by Gary Subratie, Lexi Lou an unsuccessful Classic aspirant, dominated the early fractions of the distance of 5 ½ furlongs. Dane Dawkins, thereafter the 2022 champion only needed to execute the minimal riding skills required for a margin of 4¼ lengths.
Race eight, a Restricted Overnight Allowance for three-year-olds and upwards, with no previous success at this level eligible, saw the success of a high-priced winner. Ridden by former six-time champion Omar Walker for owner/trainer Ian Roberts, Hail The Queen (25-1) was nearly two lengths the best in a game effort over the trip of five furlongs round.
Form players got no relief in race nine with Expeditious (21-1), a six-length winner of the six-furlong event for $350k optional claimers. Philbert Watson saddled the nine-year-old gelding for its 84th appearance for its sixth career success. Expeditious’ success facilitated apprentice Ramon Nepare’s best day in the saddle to actualize the second of his two wins.
