Money Miser relishes conditions, takes URTAJ trophy

MONEY MISER relished trainer Fitzroy Glispie’s addition of a figure-eight noseband and yesterday’s underfoot conditions, using his classic form to dismiss SUPER ALEX a furlong out in the United Racehorse Trainers Association of Jamaica (URTAJ) Trophy at nine furlongs and 25 yards.

Closing a three-timer for leading rider Reyan Lewis, MONEY MISER broke sharply from post-position two to claim the rail, forcing inside-drawn RHYTHM BUZZ wide heading into the clubhouse turn.

Settled in the catbird seat while the filly, ESSENTIAL QUALITY, tracked by SUPER ALEX, tried to steal a march on the far side, MONEY MISER scraped paint along the rail down the backstretch, passing the half-mile marker with RHYTHM BUZZ on his outside.

SUPER ALEX made his bid at ESSENTIAL QUALITY entering the home turn but was quickly joined by rail-running MONEY MISER while RHYTHM BUZZ swooped down three-wide with his challenge.

MONEY MISER, runner-up in the 2000 Guineas, St Leger and Jamaica Derby, showed his class a furlong out, powering away from SUPER ALEX, while RHYTHM BUZZ, clearly not enjoying the sloppy track, gave up third to POWER FROM ABOVE closing from off the pace.

Returning two weeks after placing third in a driving finish behind Canada-bred ATLANTIC CONVOY and RHYTHM BUZZ, who had nosed him out for the runner-up spot, MONEY MISER won by three lengths as the 6-5 favourite, clocking 1:58.0.

MONEY MISER moved Lewis to 95 wins, 15 clear of defending champion Dane Dawkins, well on his way to exceeding 100 winners this season for his first riders’ title.

Lewis had earlier partnered 2-1 chance MUZZO to a five-furlong straight win in the fifth event, returning in the seventh in a gate-to-wire affair aboard 3-5 favourite JUSTIN BIDEN at seven furlongs.

Racing continues this morning with another 10-race card, starting at 11:30 a.m.