KINGSTON, Jamaica – The always watching, the always curious QUICK GALLOPER gives his take on the race day of Friday, April 23, 2021
THE BIG HORSES
The The Viceroy Trophy (one mile) turned out to be a cracker with a pulsating finish involving the Horse of the Year Nipster (Robert Halledeen) and the blooming Oneofakind (Dane Nelson).
The finish was swashbuckling with the guile and strength of Nelson coming to the fore – one of his best rides in while.
We all know that Nelson has strength, and the guile came in the form of him taking the rail run away from Nipster who has made a name for himself by always flourishing on the rails.
This was a defining run by Oneofakind, who after playing second fiddle to Nipster, Wow Wow and King Arthur in their three-year-old year has matured at four, developing into a thoroughbred of class. Now Oneofakind is with the big boys and he certainly, based on his effort in the The Viceroy belongs there.
Nipster looked a bit unsettled from the start of the race after he stumbled a bit and thereafter was not allowed to claim the rails which is what he likes to do.
Nonetheless, Nipster, who was racing for the second time this season will be ripe next time out.
Toona Ciliata, the favourite, was disappointing, he was never in this race, but it is known that from time to time he does gives us and underwhelming performance. Let’s hope it is just one of those off days for the big ‘Toona’ and nothing else.
THE JOCKEYS
While Nelson is being praised for his ride on Oneofakind, the day belonged to Anthony Thomas who rode four winners.
While the first three (Iannai Links, Dee Danger, and SenCity) were for a talent like Thomas, run of the mill, his final win on Silent Seeker must be noticed.
Drawn at four in a five straight, Thomas did not attempt to move over to the outside rails as is customary among reinsmen when they come down the five-straight chute.
Thomas and Silent Seeker could not go with the early pace of the leaders and was some way behind but then Silent Seeker started her motor under straight guidance from the rider.
Interesting days are ahead in the bid to win the jockeys’ championship involving Nelson and Thomas.
THE TRAINERS
Jason DaCosta has big shoes to fill and the young man has started to do so with an air of professionalism and an obvious knack for doing his job.
His two winners today (Friday, April 23) have brought him among the top 10 trainers.
It is early days yet but Jason DaCosta is already gaining attention.
