Simply The Best shows power in big win

SIMPLY THE BEST not only matched CRUCIAL APPEAL, stride for stride, in a backstretch speed duel, but sprinted clear of the former grade one runner to win yesterday's 1000-metre overnight allowance sprint by almost four lengths.

Partnered by Paul Francis for trainer Gary Subratie, four-year-old SIMPLY THE BEST attacked 1-2 favourite CRUCIAL APPEAL on the lead at the half-mile marker and moved away from the seven-year-old entering the straight.

Running 16lb lighter than CRUCIAL APPEAL, 4-1 chance SIMPLY THE BEST hit top gear in the stretch run and blasted home in a fast 58.1, two-fifths of a second off the 32-year-old track record set by United States-bred DYE JOB in August 1985.

CRUCIAL APPEAL stayed on for second, three and three-quarter lengths away. PRINCESS EMANUELLE finished third in the six-horse field.

SIMPLY THE BEST's smashing performance closed a quick double for Subratie whose 9-1 outsider, VICE ROYALTY, closed from off the pace to win the previous race at 2000 metres.

Meanwhile, Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas continued his marauding form with four consecutive winners - WARTIME, BIGMAN UNION, MINNIFFIA and NOTHINGBUTTHEBEST - races two through five.

Had it not been for a disqualification aboard first-past-the-post METICULOUS in the closing event, Cardenas would have taken his tally to five winners on the nine-race midweek card.

Racing continues at Caymanas Park on Saturday with 10 races scheduled.