THE QUICK GALLOPER’S REVIEW – New distance, Fanna, Santorini, Dick Cardenas

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The race day of Saturday, September 4, 2021, had many valuable moments to savour.

 JOCKEYS 

Let’s start with jockey Dick Cardenas. Cardenas, known as the ‘Willy One’. Cardenas’ stocks rose appreciably when he booted home a five-timer. The Panamanian at this time is more of a freelancer than being locked tight to a particular stable although he often gets rides from trainer Jason DaCosta. With Dane Nelson riding in Canada, Cardenas will more than likely get additional rides from champion trainer Anthony Nunes. 

While he did not ride five winners like Cardenas, the performance of jockey Linton Steadman on Santorini in the Winston Griffiths Classic is worthy of special mention. Steadman is developing into one of the better two-turn riders at the Park and has a knack for winning the ‘big’ races. His performance on Santorini was outstanding and with Nelson not around he is sure to get many more winning rides from the Nunes camp. 

HORSES 

Santorini final two-furlong burst gave his connections the distinction of being the first winners of the Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths OD Classic run over the new distance of 9 ½ furlongs (1900) metres. Only horses who have not won a Classic or Grade 1 race can compete in the Winston Griffiths. The new distance seems to have been a hit with race goers as another two-turn encounter is added to the racing calendar. 

It was as good to see the man himself Winston Griffiths at the track enjoying himself while still receiving the adoration of those present on the race day. 

For Nunes is was some sort of redemption as he went winless in the five Classic races with only his two-year-old champion Further and Beyond getting close to winning one of these races. Interestingly, Santorini was Nunes only starter on the 11-race card. 

The two-year-olds went around the round course for the first time with victory going to the Jason DaCosta trained Silent Mission, a bay colt by Savoy Stomp – Lady Mandi. This was the first winner produced by first-crop stallion Savoy Stomp who does duties at the HAM Stables. 

 THE BETTING

It was a day for form players as the longest odds winner was Santorini at 9-1.