KINGSTON, Jamaica - The omission of citations, either through lack of announcements or non-publication in the official form book indicating the basis on which each trophy race is established, is not only irritating to those who are in interested in racing history but is also a measure of the “they don’t need to know” attitude manifesting an outright lack of respect on the part of those responsible. However, in terms of the responsibilities of promoting companies, this is an easy fix for the Jamaica Racing Commission as authorised in the 1977 Racing Rules
The final and featured 1,200-metre trophy event on the nine-race card was staged to honour the memory of John Clifton Wright. Wright was a breeder and owner as well as a popular, a truly engaging figure and therefore was a consummate racing man. With the non-publication of the specifics of his contribution to the racing industry, therefore the above is no more than what this columnist can offer from memory.
In a close finish, well conformed grey colt Devonte (17-1) saddled by three-time and reigning champion Anthony Nunes was expertly ridden by Tevin Foster and on this, his 10th appearance, has now shown a little more ability to match his looks. Foster’s balance and use of the whip was decisive in thwarting the effort of Last Bid (Reyan Lewis) by a neck with both horses alternated on the lead inside the last 200 metres.
This was a welcome success for the Nunes camp as the deficit with championship rival Jason DaCosta now exceeds $7.0 million with five and a half months of the 2022 season remaining. Neither has figured in the substantial purses on offer for the Classics and in the final analysis, it will come down the depth of talent each will rely on.
DaCosta’s response to any success for Nunes came at the beginning of the day. The opening event was won by She’s My Destiny (1-5) in an eight and a half-length strong canter over 1,100 metres and heralded the beginning of triple success for DaCosta in tandem with champion reinsman Anthony Thomas.
The second came in the 5th over 1,000 metres straight in the form of Midnight Blue (2-1) whose prior race was on July 5, 2021 but was comfortably 3 ½ lengths clear of the nearest rival at the end of the gallop over 1,000 metres straight. While It’s a Boy (7/2) could see his eight rivals 1,200 metres from the finish of the 1,400-metre seventh event but sped past them 50 metres from the winning post for the top trainer/jockey collaboration confirmation of three on the day.
The second event run at 1,000 metres round went to front-running Fabulosity (2-1) ridden by Roger Hewitt for trainer Junior Small and the 1,100-metre third won by Party Princess (9-5) ridden by veteran Devon A Thomas for trainer Anthony Subratie in welcome successes for these two smaller operations.
The seven-length victory of Fresh Cash (8-5) in race four at 1,000 metres straight with Javaniel Patterson at the reins for Robert Pearson, as well as that of She’s My Destiny in the opener, emphasises the too frequent over-matching of horses in categories and weight allotment ruining the betting competitiveness of the racing product actually and potentially.
Leading at the start of the day by two wins, title-chasing Dane Dawkins (49) response to champion Anthony Thomas (47) came in the 1,200-metre fifth event aboard maiden Longie Lala (3-5) schooled by Patrick Lynch. The Thomas triple therefore has left both riders at the half century mark. This column’s prediction is that all things being equal because of the loyalty of his patrons, Thomas, the three-time titlist, will be crowned for a fourth occasion come the final race of the season in December.
Clear and on the bridle early, Basilicus (2-1), prepared by Gregory Forsyth, only needed persuasion by way of a few reminders from former two-time champion jockey Dick Cardenas over the final 200 to remain clear in the 1,000-metre straight run of race eight.
The Training Feat Award is presented to Jason DaCosta for the Best Winning Gallop displayed by Midnight Blue after race day inactivity lasting over a year. Tevin Foster is recognised for his skills in guiding Devonte to its maiden success in the nightcap to take the Jockeyship Award.
