Lion of Ekati, the seasoned seven-year-old American-bred dark bay/brown gelding, stretched his winning run to five with a commanding performance in the opening event at Caymanas Park on Saturday, January 17, 2026. He stormed home 6¾ lengths clear of his nearest pursuer, leaving no doubt about his superiority.
The race, a three-year-old and upward Optional Claiming ($350,000–$250,000) that also catered to six-year-olds and older non-winners of three, was contested over 7½ furlongs (1,500m). Under the guidance of trainer Oraldo Chin and the confident handling of jockey Reyan Lewis, Lion of Ekati (by Tale of Ekati out of Indian Conduct) stopped the clock at 1:38.0, with sectional splits of 25.0, 49.0, 1:16.1, and 1:30.2.
Early on, Curlin’s Flight (Robert Halledeen) dictated the tempo, tracked by Tuts (Tevin Foster), Don Pablo (Christopher Mamdeen), and Spragga (Shaheem Gordon). Lion of Ekati, kept off the pace, travelled smoothly before beginning his advance at the half-mile marker.
Approaching the final turn, he slipped into second behind Spragga, looming large with momentum in his favour. Once straightened for home, Lion of Ekati quickened decisively, powering away from rivals to secure an effortless victory. Spragga held on for second, while Always Wright (Jerome Innis) finished third.
