Classy Sentient slams rivals

SENTIENT won his third straight race, one of two winners for trainer Gary Subratie, on yesterday’s 11-race card.

Racing the clock at a mile, the Superstakes and Diamond Mile-placed runner was so out-of-class that he was able to lead from start to finish, dismissing ROYAL VIBES’ feeble backstretch challenge.

Entering the straight under a hand ride, SENTIENT moved away to win by 11 lengths, clocking 1:38.0 with Anthony Thomas at odds of 1-9.

Subratie notched his first win with 5-1 shot BASILICUS, in the day’s third event. BASILICUS held on by a neck with Anthony Thomas, at four furlongs straight, from SHEBOOM, who closed fast on the stands’ side under Dane Nelson.

Subratie was among three trainers saddling two winners, joined by Anthony Nunes and Wayne DaCosta for the day’s honours.

DaCosta opened his account with United States-bred EAGLE ONE in the second event and closed with KILLER BEE, who ran on strongly to collar tearaway leader, STORM PRINCESS slowing midway the last half-furlong of the ninth race.

EAGLE ONE closed under a hand ride from Barbadian Simon Husbands to prove stronger than stablemate WHOSHOTTHESHERIFF, the 3-5 favourite, at five furlongs straight.

Nelson was the top jock on the opening day of the weekend meet, booting home a hat-trick, starting with Nunes’ BIG UP YUHSELF, followed by RIDEWITHTHEMOB and MUSKETOON.

Racing continues this afternoon with 10 events scheduled.