KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sensational Move made a sparkling debut in a three-year-old maiden contest going 5 ½ furlong on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
The Gary Subratie trainee with Dane Dawkins in the saddle, clocked an uplifting 1:08.2 for the distance, winning by 11 lengths.
The Quick Galloper spoke with Subratie the day after (Sunday, April 16), the maiden win by Sensational Move.
THE QUICK GALLOPER: TQG
GARY SUBRATIE: GS
TQG: Sensational Move made a winning debut. Were you expecting this effort?
GS: Yes, I was, but he surprised me in the manner he eventually won. I was not expecting an 11-length victory even in a relatively soft field, plus the time of 1:08.2 is most encouraging. Sensational Move demonstrated that he had some pluck as well, which is always a good sign, and, all in all, it was a debut run for which the owner (Barsher) and I are happy with.
TQG: Gary, why was Sensational Move, a three-year-old, making such a late competitive appearance?
GS: Sensational Move was being prepared as a two-year-old, and was close to racing at two. Then some problems developed and after a discussion with the owner, the decision was taken to wait until the issues were dealt with sufficiently. The time to remedy the maladies took longer than expected, so we had to wait. At three, it was planned for Sensational Move to race earlier in the year, but it was not to be, as at the time, I did not believe, he was quite ready for action. We waited and waited, and when he recently galloped four furlongs with Slam Dunk, easily dismissing the latter, I knew then that Sensational Move was ready. He came out on Saturday (April 15), and did the job with class and ease.
TQG: What next for Sensational Move?
GS: He has made a late start, and the options now are limited as we look at the upcoming Classic prep event and, of course, the Classic races. Having raced and won just three weeks before the 7 ½ furlong - The Kingston (May 7), it would be foolhardy to run him again before The Kingston. So, more and more, it is looking like Sensational Move’s next race will be The Kingston. I, however, stress that any forward movement will be dependent on how he came out of the Saturday winning run. As usual, we will be observing his situation daily, before a final decision is taken, and, of course, I will consult with the owner.
