Calculus takes Miracle Man Cup
Published:Sunday | February 27, 2022 | 12:12 AMAinsley Walters - Sunday Gleaner Writer
LAST year’s derby winner, CALCULUS, again overpowered ONEOFAKIND, this time at nine and a half furlongs, repelling the five-year-old by a length in the Miracle Man Cup yesterday.
CALCULUS had beaten his Anthony Nunes-trained rival, by a half-length, at a mile on January 29, allowing him seven pounds.
Despite picking up two pounds for that victory, CALCULUS had the Miracle Man trip to his advantage, going two turns, attacking ONEOFAKIND a furlong and a half out, before staying on strongly with topweight 126lb under Shane Ellis.
Robert Halledeen threw the works at ONEOFAKIND, who got first run into the lane on early leader AWESOME TREASURE, but was outstayed by four-year-old CALCULUS, who covered the distance in 2:01.3.
Having won his second open-allowance race, CALCULUS will next race in graded stakes, facing the likes of Nunes’ FURTHER AND BEYOND, who he had upstaged to win the St Leger and Jamaica Derby.
Champion jockey Anthony Thomas rode a three-timer on the 10-race card, opening the programme with FEARLESS CHAMPION.
Thomas, who rides primarily for Jason DaCosta, booted home 3-5 favourite OUTBIDDER for that barn in the eighth before returning to close the card with 3-2 top choice, ANOTHER CHAMPION.
Thomas moved his tally to 10, jumping to fourth in the riders’ standings being led by Dane Dawkins on 18 winners.
Racing continues midweek with the Ash Wednesday meet.