NO MORE ‘ARGUMENT’
Four-year-old chestnut filly Big Argument (Nasheet – Idon’tknow) came good for trainer Edward Stanberry in a native-bred four-year-old and upwards (non-winners of two) contest at 6 furlongs (1,200m).
With Paul Francis in the saddle, Big Argument raced prominently at the off and settled close to the leader Snowflakes (Roger Hewitt). As they approached the distance Big Argument drew alongside Snowflakes and the two runners were then locked in a tense duel in deep stretch.
However, inside the final furlong (200m) Big Argument proved the stronger of the two and drew off for a one-length win at the finishing line. Snowflakes finished second with Six Avenue (Javaniel Patterson) in third place. The final time was recorded at 1:16.3.
WEARYOURHONOR A WINNER AFTER EQUIPMENT CHANGE
Running with the figure 8 on, Wearyourhonor, in just his second career start, led home rivals in a native-bred four-year-old and upwards Non-Restricted Maiden Condition Race coming down the 5-straight (1,000m) chute.
Trained by Collin Ferguson and ridden by Christopher Mamdeen, Wearyourhonor broke and went straight for the lead, holding strong ahead of Soul Amia (Samantha Fletcher) and Madam Catalina (Ramon Nepare).
Passing the dummy rails, Wearyourhonor continued to leave rivals behind with a strong gallop, and although he began to shorten a bit in the final sixteenth Wearyourhonor held on winning by a half-length ahead of Soul Amia. Madam Catalina finished in third place with a final time of 1:03.3.
OKAHUMPKA FOR THE 6TH TIME IN EIGHT STARTS
Okahumpka, trained by Ian Alexander and ridden by Anthony Thomas, notched his sixth win from his last eight starts in a three-year-old and upwards Claiming ($250,000-$200,000) spread travelling 4 furlongs (800m).
The eight-year-old chestnut gelding broke on top when the starting barriers were opened, holding the lead ahead of Contractor (Oneil Mullings), Boss Izzy (Linton Steadman), and Adwa (Tevin Foster). As the runners worked their way across the dummy rails Okahumpka increased the tempo and began to extend his lead, eventually winning by 2 1/2 lengths in 49.1. Boss Izzy finished second, ahead of Contractor in the third spot.
HECANDANCE IN A SINGLE MOVE
Hecandance led from start to finish in a three-year-old and upwards Optional Claiming ($400,000-$300,000) call at 7 furlongs (1,400m).
Jockey Raddesh Roman drove the Gary Crawford-trained Hecandance straight to the front of the pack as he held the lead ahead of Devine Lexie (Jemar Jackson), Nez Perce (Tevin Foster), and Silent Cat (Phillip Parchment) down the backstretch.
Hecandance maintained his gallop well until the half-mile turn when he increased the tempo and drew clear entering the lane for the drive. With no challenger coming forward, Hecandance cruised home under a hand ride to win the race by 6 lengths.
Nez Perce finished second ahead of Doctor Grey (Javaniel Patterson). The final time for the event was 1:30.2.
EIGHT HORSES CLAIMED
In the fifth race, Renex Burrell claimed Queen Deftiny for himself from Junior Panton, Roy Matthews claimed Boss Izzy for owner G-Links Connection from Tyrone Prince, Cashbert Khwalsingh claimed Okahumpka for owner Gilbert Khwalsingh from Ian Alexander, Ray Phillips claimed Adwa for owner Anthony Nunes from Welsh Soutar, and Dennis Pryce claimed Uncle Wal for owner Busy Racing Stable from Marlon Anderson. All the horses from the fifth event were claimed for $250,000 each.
In the sixth race, Dennis Thwaites claimed Silent Cat for owner Carlton Watson from Keffin Murray, Christopher Pierre claimed Nez Perce for owner Oneil Markland from Donovan Plummer, and Ryan Darby claimed Hecandance for owner Zelpha Ricketts from Gary Crawford. All three horses were claimed for $400,000 each.
