Madelyn’s Sunshine back with a bang

UNITED States-bred MADELYN’S SUNSHINE returned to form with a bang yesterday, making every yard of the running to land the Easter Sprint Cup in a fantastic 1:05.3, beating 4-5 favourite BRINKS by three and three-quarter lengths.

Totally off-colour in four races since caught close home by Mouttet Mile winner EXCESSIVE FORCE at six furlongs mid-November, MADELYN’S SUNSHINE turned up in unbeatable shape, dashing to the lead from post-position nine with stablemate EAGLE ONE, FREEDOM STREET and MAGICAL MOOD in chase.

BRINKS, who had not contested a sprint in more than a year, spending last season placing in the three-year-old classics at a mile and longer, raced fifth from his wide draw in the 11-horse field with the leaders in his cross hairs approaching the home turn.

Though BRINKS looked dangerous with a sweeping move on the outside, MADELYN’S SUNSHINE straightened full of running, quickening away from EAGLE ONE, FREEDOM STREET and MAGICAL MOOD. BRINKS went second past the chasing bunch a furlong and a half out but MADELYN’S SUNSHINE found an extra gear to sprint clear under Reyan Lewis.

MADELYN’S SUNSHINE, the 2-1 second choice, closed the late double for Jason DaCosta and a three-timer for Lewis, who produced the champion trainer’s GAHLY GAHLY LINKS with a strong rail run in the ninth to blow past MAY SELLINGTON on the home turn in the seven-furlong maiden event for three-year-old fillies.

Lewis’ three-timer pushed him to 27 winners, making him joint-leading rider with Tevin Foster after riding six winners for the three-day Easter Carnival, which he started five behind on Saturday.

After winning one race on Saturday, Lewis logged a two-timer on Sunday before starting his three-timer with ADENOSINE in yesterday’s fifth, stealing a march on rivals, at odds of 5-1, going five furlongs round. Foster ‘s lone winner for the holiday meet patronised by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association of Jamaica was an armchair ride aboard Anthony Nunes’ BADGYALRIRI in yesterday’s third at four furlongs straight.

Racing continues on Saturday.