Appropriately named, Impressive Force (USA) schooled by former 14-time champion and bet at odds of 1-5 ran a very fast time to win the opening event over the 1000-metres straight course.
The imported three-year-old maiden colt won by six and a half lengths running against a very strong headwind, stopped the clock at 58 seconds flat with champion Reyan Lewis executing the riding honours.
Ridden by Oniel Mullings for owner/trainer Errol Subratie Drone Strike (2-5), winner of the 2017 Jamaica Derby, cantered over five rivals at the 800 metres of the straight of race two for $250,000 claimers.
The third odds-on favourite to win in succession was 1-2 bet, Eagle One (USA), saddled by champion Jason DaCosta, won by over eight lengths and was to be the first of three successes for popular reinsman Robert Halledeen.
Race four, run at 1600 metres had a dramatic turn when first past the post, evens favourite, Waterman John (Raddesh Roman) was disqualified for intimidation of, and interference with the runner-up Dimetry P (10-1) ridden by Victor Sanchez for trainer Colin Ferguson.
As the stewards’ deliberations of the result of race four ensued, the discussion by the patrons in the North Lounge ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime. The backers of Waterman John lost their ability to take an objective view of the facts instantly.
There was undoubtedly repeated interference in the straight by the offending Waterman John. Roman was unable to keep his mount galloping on a true line.
As they entered the final 200 metres, Sanchez, in an effort to take evasive action pushed Roman as the bumping match got more intense.
The interpretation and application of JRC Rule # 201 allows for this response by Sanchez. Clearly, Roman’s breaches were, quoting the Rule, “intimidation, improper, dangerous, reckless and careless riding”.
Roman’s performance met the criteria comfortably in all respects, therefore, to disqualify was an easy decision for the stewards.
On the day, Roman’s only legal winner came in race nine.
This was Division One of the divided Eros Trophy with 4-5 favourite Sensational Move, saddled by Gary Subratie, scoring by four lengths over the 1000-metre straight course.
Trainer Peter-John Parsard earned his only winner on the day in the 1400-metre race five with 4-5 bet Geolithic (USA) ridden by Paul Francis to a three-length victory advantage.
For the opener of a double, leading reinsman Tevin Foster won race six, run at 1500 metres aboard Mr Senator (6-5) for Anthony Nunes.
Foster’s closing leg came in the eighth over the 1000-metre round course with three-year-old maiden colt Bush Fire (9-5), declared by Anthony Smith.
Halledeen’s second of his three-timer came in race seven with Patrick Lynch’s 21-1 shot maiden colt Chief Dissident; a near two-length winner.
It was 3-1 against Norblar in the second division of the Eros Trophy and Halledeen confirmed his triple success when he guided the Gresford Smith owned and trained colt to a two-length margin of victory.
One Response
S A N C means sanchez aint no chicken he's a ruff rider who knows the sport in depth, raddish was there to intimidate so as to make a name for himself against the foreigner as to say yu kno a who me??