Money Monster stamps class on King’s Plate field

BEATEN BY younger and superior United States-bred runners in his last two races, six-year-old MONEY MONSTER yesterday capitalised on their absence to easily stamp his class on rivals in the King’s Plate at seven and a half furlongs.

EAGLE ONE, the sole foreigner in the nine-horse field, was taken out of his game plan by FREEDOM STREET, who made a brave bid on the lead for back-to-back wins but found overnight-allowance pace unrelenting, giving way to MONEY MONSTER early in the stretch run.

MONEY MONSTER’s winning move started three furlongs out, going by BIG BIG DADDY to challenge FREEDOM STREET and EAGLE ONE three-wide into the straight.

Ridden out by Reyan Lewis, MONEY MONSTER quickened past the leaders to win going away, clocking 1:33.4 for a rewarding four-and-three-quarter-length win in the silks of owner-trainer Fitztoy Glispie.

FREEDOM STREET and EAGLE ONE weakened after running themselves into the ground, setting up late-running CRIMSON to close for second past BIG BIG DADDY.

Reyan Lewis closed the late double with a late charge aboard 24-1 stunner, PLATINUM FORCE, sealing a three-timer, after opening the 10-race card with another outsider, 10-1 shot FAULT LINE for champion trainer Jason DaCosta.

Lewis’ three-timer moved him to 21 winners, five behind leading rider Tevin Foster, who piloted LADY BEN to an easy victory at four furlongs straight in the sixth event.

Racing continues at the weekend with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association of Jamaica Easter Carnival, three consecutive days, Saturday to Monday with the Thornbird and Prince Consort Stakes classic preps for three-year-olds as feature events.