Time

1:55.6

Distances

¾, 3¼, 3, ½, 2¼, 1¾, 12, 4¾

Winner	3-Y-O BAY COLT - LION HEART - KRIS'S BEST by KRIS S
Winning Trainer	E. WALCOTT JR.
Winning Owner	MRS. GAY SMITH
Winning Breeder	MRS. GAY SMITH

Payments		Win	Place
1st	2	7.65	1.55
2nd	9		1.50
3rd	5		1.85
Forecast	2-9		32.60
Trifecta	2-9-5		111.20

Comments:

After a slow and unimpressive start to his racing career, the highly regarded LION KING finally made this start count with a useful effort in the 9-furlong contest. He looked quite backward for those early engagements, but turned up today a much improved horse physically, and the result manifested itself as such. Prominent among the headliners for the first ¾-mile, the son of Lion Heart then conceded the lead to favourite Trilok at the 3, before re-engaging that foe turning for the judge. Though still running green when pressed initially, the Edward Walcott-trained colt continued steadily in the final two panels to eventually wear down the idling runner-up in mid-stretch for a popular maiden win. It’s quite pleasing to finally see another winner that was bred in the US but foaled on our shores, a practice that has produced disappointing results to date. LION KING is from the first crop of leading North American Sire of Stakes Winners Lion Heart, and his progress will be watched closely as further improvement is expected. Trilok now has successive good efforts following this run, but should’ve justified the support of his backers and soundly beaten this bunch if he’s to be a serious Classic contender. Blinkers were off again today, and he was held up among the trailing group early on, giving the majority a detrimental head-start while conceding weight all around. He looked all over a winner when swooping by on the outside of horses 2½ furlongs out, but conceded the advantage to a more willing horse once straightened up for the run in. Double Dagger was racing in tandem with Trilok early, and was still within striking position at the top of the hill when squeezed for room between and behind horses once asked for a run. He would’ve certainly been closer had it not been for that mishap, but was also eased once it was no longer possible to head the first two. He also conceded weight to most including the winner, who got away at odds of 7-1. Major Sam was keen early and sat just behind the leaders for the first half. He was caught flat-footed as the tempo increased four furlongs and though finishing creditably and catching Que Pasa on the line, the first three home were already long assured.  [ROG]

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

ALL ALONE: ALL ABOARD (Andy Ward) makes all to land a one-sided

“Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders Association Condition Race”.