Unique double for trainer Robinson

Trainer Lorenzo Robinson had the unique distinction of winning races in separate countries yesterday.

MR DOITBETTA romping home by 13 lengths in the inaugural running of the Simply Magic Cup over 1820 metres at Caymanas Park and a 70-1 outsider to victory at Woodbine racetrack in Toronto, Canada earlier in the day.

Robinson, a noted owner, trainer and breeder, was not present at Caymanas Park to see his fast-improving 3-y-o gelding, MR DOITBETTA (9-2), make hacks of his seven age-group rivals in the Simply Magic Cup to make it two in a row, but the news was music to his ears. Instead, Robinson was at Woodbine to lead in his other winner, having obtained a licence to train at Canada's premier racetrack a fortnight ago,

Speaking from Canada via telephone shortly after his double victory, Robinson said he was on top of the world.

"Judging from the manner of his two recent wins, MR DOITBETTA, who, I understand, won in good time of 1:57.2, could develop into a live classic contender with the Derby, St. Leger and next month's Lotto Clasic (Governor's Cup) fast approaching.

"The plan is to commute between Jamaica and Canada and, having started with a bang in Canada, it could open doors for me in no time up here," he added.

Ridden by the promising claiming apprentice Hakeen Pottinger, MR DOITBETTA was held off the early pace as the 7-5 favourite MY WAY led under pressure from ANOTHER FURY (5-1) approaching the final bend. By then, MR DOITBETTA had made rapid headway and, coming three wide into the straight, quickly disposed of MY WAY to win by a wide margin from 2-1 chance DR TRAIN.

In the absence of Robinson, MR DOITBETTA was saddled by stand in trainer Lincoln Lungs. A roan gelding by Vibank out of Olympic Advice, "DOITBETTA" is owned and bred by Robinson as well.

On a day when second-race winner, 3-2 favourite BARS OF GOLD was disqualified by the stewards for causing interference at the start, the nine-race programme proved challenging for punters. The upsets were provided by MIRACLE RECOVERY (made all) at 19-1 in the first race, KIRI at 7-1 in the third and TARANTINO at 9-2 in the fifth. Champion jockey Shane Ellis rode two winners in BAD BOY JUSTIN (3-1) and SURE MAN (5-2) in the sixth and seventh races, respectively.