KINGSTON, Jamaica - The St Elizabeth Distaff (one mile) was turned into a procession by the Jason DaCosta trained, Dick Cardenas ridden, Make Up Artist.
Make Up Artist went straight into the lead, was never challenged, romping home in a time of 1:38.4.
This was the four-year-old filly’s sixth victory run from eight starts. Prior to running the one mile St Elizabeth Distaff, the longest trip attempted by Make Up Artist was 7 and a half furlongs on August 14, when she delivered her worse ever performance.
The story of Make Up Artist is intriguing. She was first trained by former 18 time champion Wayne DaCosta, and did not race as a three-year-old because of some niggling issues which curtailed her preparation.
Make Up Artist was rested, and in April of this year while preparing to race, Jason, son of Wayne took over her conditioning.
Make Up Artist hit the track for the first time on April 24, 2021, and immediately demonstrated her potential, which, in the first place had caused Wayne DaCosta to persist with her despite the impediment of injury.
Then that first win was followed by another three, all in a row. The defeat at seven and a half furlongs came after those four wins.
If times are anything to go by the splits all set by Make Up Artist were 23.4 seconds, 46.3 seconds and 1:12.0. The split for six furlongs of 1:12.0, is of particular relevance as that was the final time done by Duke, in winning the Port Royal Sprint. Something to think about.
Many pundits said after the win in the distaff that if Make Up Artist was challenged the outcome might have been different. There are many ifs and buts in this world, but what is for sure is that Make Up Artist reached a new promising level in the St Elizabeth, and that is to be taken into consideration.
The final result will show that Make Up Artist won in a good time to boot, and look at the four horses who followed:
Second - Best Daughter Ever – a foreigner
Third - Awesome Treasure – a foreigner
Fourth – Lure of Lucy – a foreigner,
and Fifth – Sweet and Smart – a foreigner.
Congratulations are in order to Wayne for first spotting the talent, and for being patient; and kudos go out to Jason for fulfilling that promise.
