KINGSTON, Jamaica - Burlap, wearing a tongue tie for the first time in his eight-race career, came from behind to win a race for native three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and older (maiden) over a five-furlong track on Saturday, July 22, 2023.
Ridden by Allen Maragh and trained by Richard Azan, Burlap raced at the back of the pack after the gates opened, with Running Glory leading the field into the half-mile turn followed by Joy Is Golden and City Hawk.
Burlap made progress racing on the inside before moving to the outside of horses while still trailing the leaders. In deep stretch, Joy Is Golden had the lead and appeared to be the winner as they approached the furlong pole, but Maragh urged Burlap forward and the bay colt surged to victory. Burlap won by a length, with Joy Is Golden finishing second and California Gold coming in third, with a final time of 1:03.0 (23.4 x 48.0).
