Jockey Dane Dawkins, trainer Gary Subratie rule
THE THREE-YEAR-OLDS
After eight starts and six-second place finishes, it was lucky number nine for the Phillip Elliott trained, Dane Nelson rode Rupunzel.
This three-year-old filly by Savoy Stomp out of Miss Pasion clocked 59.3 seconds for five furlongs straight, which is enough to garner some attention as the cohort of Classic aspirants move forward in their yearly quest for glory.
First-timer She’s Fantastic (Bern Identity – Fantabulous), ran prominently throughout the five furlongs eventually finishing third. This filly has speed and should be watched when next on the track.
Another three-year-old Talona, a US import, a bay filly by Bayern out of To My Delight caught the eye on her second appearance, displaying speed that should hold her in good stead as her career progresses during the course of the year and beyond. Interestingly, Talona’s sire is Bayern, winner of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic. THE QUICK GALLOPER will closely follow Talona’s development.
The top race on the day was the six-and-a-half-furlong Open Allowance | Graded Stakes call run in honour of the grand dame of local racing the late trainer, owner, and apprentice master Eileen Cliggott.
Eagle One trained by Jason DaCosta, with Anthony Thomas aboard, returned in such good nick that he swarmed over rivals winning by four lengths with any fuss. Father Patrick, who finished second, while allowing weight all-round, again demonstrated his weakness for distances longer than six furlongs. Duke, who returned from a long and well-needed break obviously needed the run to get back to his best.
THE JOCKEYS | TRAINERS
The early season dominance of trainer Gary Subratie and jockey Dane Dawkins is the major talking point on the racing circuit.
Dawkins, who has consolidated his lead in the jockeys’ championship rode a four-timer, three of which were for Subratie.
Leading in the championship at this stage of the racing year is nothing new for Subratie, who has done so on many occasions. Yet, he has not able been able to carry through to claim the coveted title of the champion trainer. Will this year see a change in Subratie’s fortune? Only time will tell!
For Dawkins, this is an unaccustomed position. This young man has taken his time to develop and every race day, he is showing astuteness in his riding. He is comfortable from in front and has lots of patience with his mounts when required.
The partnership with Subratie has yielded most of the winners for Dawkins, but to have a crack at becoming champion jockey, he has to extend his reach, which he is quietly doing.
Reports from the mornings suggest that Dawkins is hardworking and is one who gets along easily with the trainers.
