Duke secures impressive win
Published:Sunday | March 7, 2021 | 12:22 AMAinsley Walters - Sunday Gleaner Writer
DUKE, running in the colours of Trevor James’ Success Farms, closed from off the pace to nab 7-5 favourite PATRIARCH, stealing home in the SVREL 4th Anniversary Trophy feature event at five and a half furlongs.
Acquired by private treaty from champion owner, Michael Bernard, after finishing fourth behind CRIMSON at a mile on February 20, DUKE reported under new ownership for trainer Gary Subratie to ironically become the second horse sold by the champion owner to hit top form after changing hands within the same barn.
Subratie pulled off a similar feat with back-to-form CRIMSON, who has since won two races in Success Farm’s silks since sold by Bernard.
DUKE was slowly into stride with Panamanian Dick Cardenas but improved to straighten second in the sharp sprint, going past TREVOR’S CHOICE coming off the home turn, before taking aim at speedy PATRIARCH.
Surging on the outside, inside the last half-furlong to collar PATRIARCH, who started running on wobbly legs after setting scorching splits of 22.4 and 45.3, DUKE clocked an eye-catching 1:05.4 for the distance.
Javaniel Patterson rode two winners late on the 11-race card, booting home even-money favourite, DIOSA DE ORO, in the ninth before bringing down the curtains with 12-1 upsetter, CASUAL AFFAIR.
Racing continues this afternoon with an eight-race card.