Long shot scores exhilarating win

EXHILARATE, the second-longest shot on the board, yesterday stunned rivals, winning by five lengths at odds of 25-1, outsprinting 1-9 favourite CHACE THE GREAT, who weakened into fourth place after being burnt on the lead at 1000 metres straight.

Showing a distinct liking for five furlongs straight, having won at the distance three races prior with Anthony Thomas, EXHILARATE enjoyed a chance reunion with the champion jockey, who replaced apprentice Raddesh Roman.

The four-year-old filly broke sharply but was taken in hand by Thomas while CHACE THE GREAT was pushed by apprentice Christopher Mamdeen to keep pace.

Running on the firmer stands’ side, EXHILARATE quickened away from the chasing pack, which descended on CHACE THE GREAT close home, PATRIARCH grabbing second at odds of 20-1 behind his stablemate, ahead of 23-1 shot, SUPERLUMINAL, who closed with a flourish for third on the outside.

Nunes’ exacta piled more stakes on his hefty lead over Wayne DaCosta, who came within a half-length of winning the next race with 10-1 outsider, DON JULIO, who was caught near the wire by none other than his loyal stable rider, Omar Walker, who outfinished female apprentice Abigail Able with 6-5 favourite AWESOME MIRACLE.

Unique two-timer

Trainer Gary Subratie and owner Michros scored a unique two-timer with Sarah Barracuda half-brothers WOW WOW and CRIMSON in the first and fourth races, respectively.

WOW WOW sprinted away from DEJAE’S BOY in the three-furlong straight opening event for two-year-olds whereas three-year-old CRIMSON, going 10 furlongs, turned back TRICKY ONE in a match race from the half-mile.

Ryan Darby also saddled two winners, SUPREME AUTHORITY and TOUGH COOKIE, who both made all in claiming races at sprint distances, five furlongs round and four furlongs straight, respectively.

Thomas improved to 36 wins, fourth in the jockeys’ standings with a two-timer, opening his account with ADORING LADY in the third.

Leading rider Mamdeen also had a two-timer, which took him to 60 wins, CRIMSON and COHETE DEL EXITO, who made all in the sixth, going 16 clear of fellow apprentice Reyan Lewis.

Racing continues at Caymanas Park on Wednesday.