Champion jockey wins Caymanas feature

D HEAD CORNERSTONE used his classic form, fourth in the St Leger and Jamaica Derby, to outstay UNRULY DUDE in yesterday’s Caymanas Park 1959 feature race at a mile, collaring the speedster a half-furlong out before pulling away for a comfortable win.

Partnered by Anthony Thomas for trainer Gary Subratie, D HEAD CORNERSTONE, 3-1 chance. won by four and three-quarter lengths in 1:40.3, capitalising on UNRULY DUDE’s inability to stay the trip after taking over from POWER OF FAITH.

United States-bred REAL BOSS, the even-money favourite in the event open to local-breds, non-winners of two races, and imported maidens, could only manage third in the 10-horse field, making mild headway in the straight after racing near the rear down the backstretch.

Whereas Thomas landed the feature, Dane Dawkins rebounded with a two-timer to get the better of his rival atop the jockeys’ standings.

Defending champion jockey Thomas had whittled two off Dawkins’ five-win lead with a three-timer on Saturday. Dawkins responded immediately yesterday by landing the opening event aboard OKAHUMPA at three furlongs straight.

Dawkins returned in the sixth to boot home course-specialist WILL THE CONQUEROR at five furlongs straight, ending the afternoon 68-64, staying on course for his first riders’ title with three-time champion Thomas in hot pursuit.

Racing continues at the weekend with another Saturday-Sunday dual meet.