I Am Fred makes all in SVL Anniversary Trophy

UNITED STATES-BRED I AM FRED made all with champion jockey Reyan Lewis in yesterday’s SVL 23rd Anniversary Trophy feature race, confirming his return to the form he displayed when winning four consecutive top-class events between March and April last season.

A chance ride for champion jockey Lewis, replacing Robert Halledeen, six-year-old I AM FRED broke winging at five and a half furlongs, disputing the lead with 10-1 outsider JOY IS GOLDEN.

MAHOGANY, the 3-5 favourite, was surprisingly outsped, struggling to keep pace, in stark contrast to the speed he had shown a month ago when caught by FURTHER AND BEYOND at seven and a half furlongs.

Having sparse speed to contend with on the lead, I AM FRED, who narrowly lost to last year’s Derby winner, ABILITY, at six furlongs a month ago, shrugged off up-in-class JOY IS GOLDEN, sprinting clear in the stretch run to easily win in a scorching 1:05.2.

Lewis returned to boot home AFFAIR, an easy winner among three-year-old maidens, a winner without a penalty, following his disqualification for a dislodged cheek piece on June 8.

Lewis’ earlier winners were United States-bred RICHES TO RAGS in the third at six and a half furlongs and MONEY MISER in the fourth at seven furlongs.

Raddesh Roman rode two winners, 1-5 favourite MAGNIFICENT FORCE in the second and JUSTIN BIGTIME in the closing event, reducing his deficit to seven behind Tevin Foster in their battle atop the jockeys’ standings.

Racing continues this afternoon with a nine-race card, highlighted by a Reggae 6 mandatory payout jackpot of approximately $25 million at stake.