KINGSTON, Jamaica - After a dominant win by Duke in a Restricted Allowance 111 event on Sunday (July 12), over a distance, many considered too short, trainer Gary Subratie said that his four-year-old grey colt is going to improve and do well at the classes above. After his Sunday win, Duke elevated himself to the rank of Overnight Allowance.
Ridden by Robert Halledeen, Duke (Casual Trick – Lady McBeth) defeated rivals by 2 ¼ lengths going five furlongs (1,000m) round in a speedy time of 59.2 seconds.
From being in the care Subratie, Duke has raced three times with two wins and a second to show for his efforts.
“It was an excellent performance from Duke. I mean, he has improved a lot, and the three-month break helped him a lot also. He is coming along nicely, and I think he is going places. I think he should have Overnight Allowance company at his mercy; hopefully soon,” Subratie predicted.
Subratie continued: “I am just keeping Duke fresh. I am not giving him many gallops, choosing instead to use his races to bring him on, and he is coming on as planned.”
Showing good speed at the off, Duke raced in third place behind stable companion Soul Cure (Christopher Mamdeen) and Top Shelf (Anthony Thomas). Leaving the half-mile (800m) marker, Duke improved one spot to be second before challenging Soul Cure for the lead.
Duke then showed his ripe condition by accelerating with enthusiasm to score his fourth career win from 22 starts. Roy Rogers (Paul Francis) finished in second place, and Soul Cure came home in the third spot.
Soul Cure had initially finished second but was disqualified and placed behind Roy Rogers for causing interference and intimidation to the latter in deep stretch.
