Six expectant juveniles faced the starter on Saturday, August 8, 2026, for the season’s eagerly awaited opening two-year-old contest.
The 2026 renewal stood out for its seamless start, as every young runner loaded into the barriers completely hassle-free.
When the gates flew open for the outermost runner, Mandy (Abigail Able), who veered sharply right and drifted out toward mid-track, completely destroying her chances.
Meanwhile, the Jason DaCosta-trained Boss Over Boss (Robert Halledeen) grabbed early control. He surged away from 6-5 favourite and primary challenger Sooryavanshi (Omar Walker), eventually cruising home to a comfortable 2 ¾-length victory. Sooryavanshi kept second, while Pop Rocket (Ian Spence) rounded out the top three.
Mandy recovered to cross the line fourth. Glama Girl (Tevin Foster) finished fifth, leaving Yeet (Joy Haynes) trailing in last.
The winner stopped the clock in 36.1 seconds after setting an opening two-furlong split of 24.1 seconds.
This victory marked trainer DaCosta's third triumph in the season's inaugural juvenile feature over the past four years. His previous wins came with Bandura in 2023 and Miss MoneyPenny in 2024, interrupting a 2025 score by Gary Subratie's Salute The Don.
Foaled on March 6, Boss Over Boss is a chestnut colt by Bern Identity out of Woman Is Boss. The dam continues her impressive lineage, having already produced Kholbear, She’s My Destiny, Galopin De Veloz, Woman In Love, and Bigger Boss.
