THE HORSES
Secret Identity
There were two significant performances on the day which are worthy of special mention.
The second race was deemed to be a walkover by most pundits for foreigner Jordon Reign’s, who was hunting his third consecutive victory, with resistance possibly, although remote, coming from the local bred Secret Identity (Bern Identity – Pomeroy’s Secret).
The actual contest was, as expected, a duel between the two but the final result was not in the predicted order. Leading from the off, Secret Identity demonstrated not only her undoubted class but also her pluck and determination under good guidance from Matthew Bennett.
It must have been heart-warming for the trainer of Secret Identity, Tensang Chung to see his filly give such an accomplished effort.
The win by Secret Identity had a major effect on the popular Reggae-6 wager. After one race, there were over 4000 live tickets going into the second event, which was won by Secret Identity, after which only 600 tickets were left, as most punters had banked on Jordon Reign’s.
Atomica
The Sunnyside Stakes, a two-year-old contest for fillies only, brought to the focus of racing fans, for the first time, the Gary Subratie trained chestnut filly Atomica (Nuclear Wayne – Honeytonkville).
Running green and off to a bad start, Atomica under Omar Walker displayed a noticeable turn of foot in the stretch drive, coming from way behind, to defeat the experienced Rupunzel, winning by all of four lengths. The time of 1:01.3 done by Atomica for five furlongs round is nothing to write home about but this was her first racing effort and the show of acceleration over the last two furlongs is probably an indicator that this filly may enjoy the longer distances.
Let’s see how, if entered, how she will run in the one-mile Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes against the colts and geldings.
Interesting days are ahead.
TRAINERS
With the win by Secret Identity, trainer Chung, a former jockey, recorded his 200th winner. This is a significant milestone for the quiet and unassuming conditioner who has made a significant contribution to the racing industry. Chung has never had a large string of horses but he has taken care of his stock to achieve this milestone. THE QUICK GALLOPER congratulates trainer Tensang Chung.
Congratulations are also offered to trainer Donovan Plummer who saddled his 100th winner when Fabulosity won successful in the fourth race.
JOCKEYS
Jockey Oneil Mullings has suddenly found a new lease on life. Mullings, of late, has been entering the winners’ enclosure with regularity, and that trend continued with two winners 10-1 shot Casual Affair for trainer Ryan Darby and Turnonthelight for Gary Griffiths.
THE QUICK GALLOPER noticed and pointed out in an earlier article that Robert Halledeen had nine rides on the programme, while Dick Cardenas, second behind Anthony Thomas in the jockeys’ championship, had only two mounts.
Well, as faith would have it, Halledeen from his nine rides was winless, while Cardenas had one win from his two, Cruella in the tenth event.
