KINGSTON, Jamaica - Three-year-old American-bred grey/roan colt Race Car (Race Day – McDuffie) extended his unbeaten run to three wins from as many starts after a resounding spanking victory in a Restricted Stakes event on Sunday, July 12, 2020.
THE RACE
Running with the tongue tie on for the first time, the Spencer Chung-trained Race Car came with a scoring run in the last two furlongs to win the 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m) event by four, easing down in the last 25 yards to the wire. After reasonable splits of 23.2 x 47.1 x 1:11.4, the event's final time was recorded at a fast 1:19.1.
Race Car came out at the back of the field, allowing runners to gain an immediate advantage. She’s A Hit (Christopher Mamdeen), as expected, shot into the lead, and held it comfortable over Solid Approach (Daniel Satchell), Crafty and Ready (Dane Dawkins) and Eagle One (Romario Spencer).
Crafty and Ready took over heading towards the half-mile (800m) but was quickly surrounded by horses approaching the final bend as Race Car drew closer under a tactical ride from jockey Dane Nelson. He was at no stage flustered despite after the bad start.
Turning for home, Dane Nelson decided to move, and Race Car now in Grand Prix motored between rivals to easily take the event.
Eagle One finished second and Solid Approach third.
TRAINER’S COMMENT
SPENCER CHUNG: “Race Car takes a while to get going as he is more of a long-distance horse. I told the jockey not to sprint him because he will motor down rivals.
“Race Car has been training easy since the COVID-19 break as I haven’t been doing much with him. I just kept him fit and healthy. He has a lot more to improve, and hopefully, he will come on with time.”
POSITIVES: Seems well acquainted with local conditions, and by how Race Car has won his races is destined, with all things being equal, to climb the class ladder quickly.
NEGATIVES: Race Car has the bad habit of breaking slowly; if he continues on this path, it will prove a hindrance against more vigorous opponents.
THE VERDICT: Three wins from three starts is more than encouraging. Race Car is a talented foreigner with many more ticks to come in the win column.
