betMaster trips and traps centres on Uncle Vinnie

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Uncle Vinnie finished a better than it looked fourth in last Saturday's 9th (Overnight Allowance, 8 1/2f, 12 started).

Reporting for his second start off the claim, and with the customary visor removed in favour of cheek pieces, Uncle Vinnie was awkwardly away from the gates and immediately left hopelessly behind, at least 15 lengths last.

He made quick progress under urging to get back into the race, finding himself within 8 lengths of the lead in 6th position leaving the 5/8ths pole, with race favourites Another Affair and Double Crown engaged on a tearaway lead.

Stalling thereafter, Vinnie entered the lane a seemingly tiring seventh (with every right to do so), but kept grinding away to finish fourth, beaten 8 lengths.

Though the pace was more than fast enough to benefit the closers, it must be recognized that the two leaders (and 1-2 finishers) were classier than the field.

Vinnie finished ahead of Purple Wayne and Tricky One (noted finishers who left Uncle Vinnie behind easily mid-turn), Big Bang and Coco Chanel (noted finishers who had surely enough pace to run into) and Rohan Kabir (who sat the perfect trip off the duelling leaders).

This was a tough race for the level, and Uncle Vinnie definitely ran the best race of the 'others'. Look for him to be refitted in the visor (this could explain his early sluggishness - although he is older and has definitely lost much of his early pace).

Against usual opposition, Uncle  Vinnie will be a live contender when next out.