Consistent Laban locks away SVREL Security Department Trophy

VERSATILE senior citizen, LABAN, yesterday outfinished United States-bred JOY IS GOLDEN at five furlongs straight to win the SVREL Security Department Trophy by a length under Panamanian Ismael Velasquez.

Breaking from post-position four, eight-year-old LABAN quickened from among a line of seven horses, all in with chances a furlong out, to win pulling away in 57.3 on a track running fast for the third consecutive week.

Owned by Milade Azan, in partnership with trainer Richard Azan, LABAN, a consistent overnight-allowance performer, won his 10th race from 60 starts, maintaining his strike rate of placing first to third in almost half his outings to date.

Champion trainer Jason DaCosta and Robert Halledeen paired for a two-timer including last year’s 2000 Guineas winner, CALIFORNIA CROWN, who returned off a five-month break to romp the St Catherine Cup at five and a half furlongs by nine and a quarter lengths.

CALIFORNIA CROWN clocked 1:05.4, reminding of a lightning-fast track, before LABAN’s cracking confirmation on the straight course.

DaCosta and Halledeen logged their first winner, STORMBRINGER, who dismissed his four rivals in the second event for three-year-old maidens. Foaled by late Triple Crown winner, two-time Diamond Mile and triple Superstakes champion, She’s a Maneater, STORMBRINGER clocked 1:07.0 for a winning margin of two dozen lengths.

Racing continues on Saturday.