Thoroughbred Horse Racing at the Garrison Savannah, Barbados Turf Club

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

MONSTROUS EFFORT, MINIATURE MISS: Leading three year old filly

HEAVEN SENT (Chris Husbands) stubbornly repels Sweet Enough

(Juan Crawford) to score a hard-fought win in the

“Barbados Fillies’ Guineas (GR.1RF-BAR)”.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

EASY DOES IT: Leading galloper DAYLIGHT EXPRESS (Anderson Ward)

is unchallenged in the “Val Gale Cup (GR.3-BAR)”.

Garrison Savannah Results

for Saturday June 6, 2009

THE LADIES DAY RACEDAY

FEATURING

THE BARBADOS FILLIES

GUINEAS (GR.1RF. - BAR)

THE VAL GALE CUP (GR.111. - BAR)

NOTE: Dividends are declared at a base bet of Bds. $1.00

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

CHEERS TO CHARLIE!: BLAST ‘M CHARLIE (Reshawn Latchman) shows

considerable improvement to find the winning post in the “Kate O’Connor

Handicap” from Fire Bird (Jason Leacock – partly hidden).

Race #
ID#
1
101

Track Condition

GOOD TO FIRM

THE KATE O'CONNOR (HANDICAP)

1570 Meters - 3-YEAR-OLDS AND OVER RATED 0 - 45

Total Purse $8,600

Winner $5,000

Order of Finish

#

Horse

Weight

Jockey

1
#1 BLAST' M CHARLIE 112 RESHAWN LATCHMAN (7)

2
#3 FIRE HILL 126 JASON LEACOCK

3
#4 ENIGMA 117 K CARTER (7)

4
#2 RANDY ANDY(B) 116 A TROTMAN

5
#8 MEXICAN DUKE 117 R MAYNARD (7)

6
#6 TOUCH OF GOLD 124 CHRIS HUSBANDS

7
#10 ESPIRITU 115 J SAMUEL (7)

8
#7 BERT AN' PETE(B) 118 R HIBBERT

9
#5 JUST MY LUCK 119 W CAVE

10
#9 SUPERCHARGE 123 A BISHOP (7)

Time Fractions

¼ Mile

25.0

½ Mile

50.4

¾ Mile
1:15.2
1 Mile

Time

1:39.4

Distances

¾, 1¾, ½, ½, 3¾, 8, 4½, 6, ¾

Winner
3-Y-O BAY COLT - BLAST OF STORM - FLYING ANTIQUE by GERI

Winning Trainer
S. BYNOE

Winning Owner
MR. JOHN BYNOE

Winning Breeder
MR. STEPHEN BYNOE

Payments

Win

Place

1st
1 6.95 2.15

2nd
3 1.70

3rd
4 2.00

Forecast
1-3 27.05

Trifecta
1-3-4 103.00

Comments:

BLAST ‘M CHARLIE got off the mark with an exciting score here, albeit over the lowest rated bunch in racing. Racing more eager today he was handy along the rail until coming under pressure going to the hill as the speed momentarily got away. Apprentice Reshawn Latchman brought the bay steadily around the outside of horses and he willingly responded to urgings in the straight, accelerating powerfully to head just inside the furlong marker. It was the first win in a very long time for trainer Stephen Bynoe, but should’ve been an easy pick considering his improved showing last time out against a similar group, and obvious potential liking for the longer trip today. He still ran green but got the job done sufficiently in the end, and his apprentice rider seems more confident now and owners should also now begin finding favour with his ability. Runner-up Fire Hill found room late and was the only one making an impact on the winner. She was squeezed out a bit at the start, but that put her perhaps no farther back in the field that where she would’ve normally settled, except when jockey Leacock snagged he even further back going into the Paddock Bend. She improved her position halfway through, and in fact headed the eventual winner four furlongs out, but may’ve lost the win when losing first run to him when hampered by Just My Luck. A smallish filly, she did well to recover and found a run late between horses. It will be interesting now to see how she asserts herself next time out. Enigma was thought to have a decent chance going into this one as well, running close up until beaten for pace two furlongs out. Randy Andy attempted to steal it 150 metres out and brought them into the stretch, but he had little more to offer when accosted by the first two, and was eased down. [ROG]

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

GIANT SLAYER: ERADOS with Kyle Carter up wears down the heavily weighted

Don Portalsonny (Juan Crawford) to lift the “Lady Constance Handicap”.

Race #
ID#
2
102

Track Condition

GOOD TO FIRM

THE LADY CONSTANCE (HANDICAP)

1570 Meters - WEST INDIAN BRED 3-YEAR-OLDS, 79 - 100

(ALSO OPEN TO WEST INDIAN BRED 3-YEAR-OLD HORSES RATED 78 AND BELOW)

Total Purse $10,000

Winner $5,500

Order of Finish

#

Horse

Weight

Jockey

1
#2 ERADOS(BT) 102 K CARTER (7)

2
#3 DON PORTALSONNY 129 J CRAWFORD

3
#1 DARK KNIGHT(B) 119 CHRIS HUSBANDS

4
#8 SHOW ME THE MONEY(BT) 130 A TROTMAN

5
#4 BATISTA 110 J SAMUEL (7)

6
#5 CLASSIC BURST(T) 116 K JOHN (3)

7
#7 ORION(T) 118 A BISHOP (7)

Time Fractions

¼ Mile

24.4

½ Mile

49.6

¾ Mile
1:15.6
1 Mile

Time

1:37.6

Distances

½, 2, 3¼, 3½, 14, 6¾

Winner
3-Y-O BAY GELDING - THADY QUILL - SO DEAR by KING OF KINGS

Winning Trainer
E. WALCOTT JR.

Winning Owner
MRS. GAY SMITH

Winning Breeder
MRS. GAY SMITH

Payments

Win

Place

1st
2 11.20 4.25

2nd
3 1.70

Forecast
2-3 109.05

Trifecta
2-3-1 *NO WINNERS 1,302.39

*NO WINNERS CARRIED OVER TO RACE #4

Comments:

Not much can be learnt from the form of this contest, at least not enough to significantly alter the Derby picture. The pace was a genuine one throughout, and it played perfectly into the hand of a strong finisher with the lightly weighted ERADOS obliging in deep stretch after a strong final furlong surge. It looked like a three horse race involving the principles for the closing stages until the winner pounced when the leading trio was not going on. The Edward Walcott-trained gelding was hot and bothered beforehand, but saved enough to collar a tough Don Portalsonny in deep-stretch and got the money under a heavy hand from the rider. Don Portalsonny was pushed into a much closer yet comfortable position early, a tactic that not surprisingly worked out well for the compact colt who would appreciate a longer trip. He seemed more comfortable at the distance having enjoyed the sharp early gallop; and in fact ensured the pace remained honest when stepping it up a notch to force the pacesetter three furlongs out. After disposing of that horse only the winner was going better, but he salvaged some of his pride when one considers he gave that horse 27lbs in the handicap. Pace-setting Dark Knight ran his first good race since winning the Diamonds International Bonus Challenge Stakes back on Boxing Day. It can be counted as a creditable run, but he’s clearly still a notch behind the better three year olds. Show Me The Money’s form on this occasion was quite disappointing considering that shown on his better days. The colt leapt through the air at the start, a mishap that cost him critical ground as his tactics were sure to be concentrated on the front end. As a result he was caught wide of runners and always chasing the trail-blazing two ahead of him, never appearing to be comfortable. Obviously failing to get the lead coupled with carrying the top impost was a hindrance to him getting closer, and he noticeably threw up his head at the two signaling a pending defeat. The winner though was enjoying two-straight wins and registering this shocking defeat of more accomplished foes when handicapped so favourably makes it difficult to place him over the next month or so. [ROG]

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

CONSISTENCY PAYS OFF: The Boston John-trained SWEET HARMONY

out-duels Charleston (Juan Crawford) and narrowly claims

the “Fresh Milk Handicap”.

Race #
ID#
3
103

Track Condition

GOOD TO FIRM

THE FRESH MILK (HANDICAP)

1570 Meters - 4-YEAR-OLDS AND OVER, 39 - 60

(ALSO OPEN TO 4-YEAR-OLD AND OVER HORSES RATED 38 AND BELOW)

Total Purse $8,600

Winner $5,000

Order of Finish

#

Horse

Weight

Jockey

1
#11 SWEET HARMONY(T) 121 K JOHN (3)

2
#3 CHARLESTON(BT) 121 J CRAWFORD

3
#8 WHO'S CALLING(TD) 118 K CARTER (7)

4
#1 BENJAMAN 117 W CAVE

5
#9 ARM CANDY(B) 121 RESHAWN LATCHMAN (7)

6
#2 TURBULENT GUY(BT) 118 R MAYNARD (7)

7
#10 INHERIT THE WIND(T) 130 CHRIS HUSBANDS

8
#4 TOM DOOLEY 119 A BISHOP (7)

9
#6 AISLING 124 A TROTMAN

10
#7 GIN FOR ME 119 J SAMUEL (7)

R
#5 WILD MEMORIES(T) 122 S SURGEON

Time Fractions

¼ Mile

25.0

½ Mile

49.2

¾ Mile
1:14.4
1 Mile

Time

1:37.6

Distances

NK, 1¼, 1½, ½, HD, NK, HD, 3¼, 8½

Winner
4-Y-O BAY FILLY - FORTY MILE - PAN WOMAN by NOSFERATU

Winning Trainer
B. JOHN

Winning Owner
MRS. MARGO ATKINSON

Winning Breeder
MRS. MARGO ATKINSON

Payments

Win

Place

1st
11 4.55 1.30

2nd
3 1.60

3rd
8 3.30

Forecast
11-3 23.30

Quinella
3-11 or 11-3 7.90

Superfecta 11-3-8-1 *NO WINNERS 2,861.95

*NO WINNERS CARRIED OVER TO RACE #5

Comments:

The obvious form horse in the race, SWEET HARMONY got up late to better her record in this well-contested event. The Forty Mile four year old filly was as usual unhurried early and settled into a comfortable stride behind the main group. Kenny John gradually improved her position between the 3 and 4 furlong poles, until she was poised for maximum effort turning for home. In upper stretch she locked horns with Charleston and got the advantage in the last couple of strides. Charleston desperately needs the taste of victory to hopefully permanently offer him a change of fortune. The elusive first win again didn’t come, although he did run what was arguably his best race to date. He responded well when pressed to take the lead between horses and didn’t relinquish it readily when tackled by the winner a furlong out. Again the son of Captain Charlie was brave, but found at least one going better than he was at the end, but his moment in time could be close. Who’s Calling was a long way out of it (last a furlong and a half from home) and circled the field widest of the ten runners to be late on the scene for third money. Pace-maker Benjaman has some worthy form at the trip, and continued here with another good showing. He held the call under wraps by the rider, but succumbed to increasing pressure turning for home, ultimately giving way to the place-getters in the final furlong. The winner doesn’t look likely to show much improvement from here but could find herself in a similar lime-light in short order if she can maintain the useful form. [ROG]

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

HUMBLE BEGINNING, GOLDEN ENDING: GOLD DIGGER (Kyle Carter)

returns from a lay-off and digs deep to continue her fairy-tale run,

denying Top Lady (Anderson Trotman) over 9 furlongs.

Race #
ID#
4
104

Track Condition

GOOD TO FIRM

THE SANTA FAYE (HANDICAP)

1800 Meters - 3-YEAR-OLDS AND OVER RATED 59 - 80

(ALSO OPEN TO 3-YEAR-OLDS AND OVER HORSES RATED 58 AND BELOW)

Total Purse $9,500

Winner $5,225

Order of Finish

#

Horse

Weight

Jockey

1
#11 GOLD DIGGER 115 K CARTER (7)

2
#6 TOP LADY 130 A TROTMAN

3
#4 PROUD BAJAN 117 CHRIS HUSBANDS

4
#10 KANON(VT) 116 K JOHN (3)

5
#3 I'MJUSTTOOMUCH(B) 119 RESHAWN LATCHMAN (7)

6
#7 SOUTH SEA 120 A BISHOP (7)

7
#8 UNCLE JERRY 124 JASON LEACOCK

8
#9 GUDFRIDIE 111 J SAMUEL (7)

9
#2 DANCIN ROSE(BTD) 115 R HIBBERT

Time Fractions

¼ Mile

26.0

½ Mile

50.2

¾ Mile
1:16.6
1 Mile
1:41.4

Time

1:54.0

Distances

NK, 3¾, 1½, 1, ¼, 4½, 9½, 25

Winner
4-Y-O BAY FILLY - FORTY MILE - TEST FOR HARVEY by OGYGIAN

Winning Trainer
R. PARRAVICINO J.P

Winning Owner
MRS. LISA WHEELER

Winning Breeder
MR. BRUCE BAYLEY

Payments

Win

Place

1st
11 4.40 1.50

2nd
6 2.80

3rd
4 2.75

Forecast
11-6 23.90

Trifecta
11-6-4 201.50

Comments:

A good horse, a creditable training feat and confident ride told the story of this event with GOLD DIGGER returning from a short lay-off to easily account for this competitive field over 1800 metres. The story-tale run continues for the $5,000 yearling, who was purchased by first-time owner Mrs. Lisa Wheeler. Her previous owner was intent on selling and sent the plain-looking filly back into the sales ring after she failed to sell in the first instance. She has now risen to multiple-winner and stakes placed status since her career started fourteen appearances ago. She was again dropped out early but kept in touch throughout the first half though initially giving the leaders a lengthy head-start. It was maybe her most stylish win so far, but the connections must have been uneasy in their seats to see their filly suffering from a lack of running room when the heat was turned up. Apprentice Kyle Carter was standing tall in the irons and looked hopelessly trapped but poised for an assault, with everyone else flat to the boards yet going nowhere fast. Relief came when the winner found daylight under a furlong out, and won with much in hand as the rider spent the last few strides taunting jockey Trotman on the runner-up with a prolonged, condescending look in the face. The race was really won however going down the backstretch, and young Carter should be further commended for recognizing and capitalizing on the obvious advantage presented at the fence by sneaking up along the rail for a better look between the 5 and 4 furlong markers. Runner-up Top Lady lost nothing in defeat as she gave the winner 15lbs and a “belly-full of running” (albeit aided by the traffic problems the latter experienced). She was prominently placed on a pace that was much to her liking, and assumed command 3 furlongs out when not yet flustered. The bay mare would’ve been a clear winner (all other things equal), had she possessed the final acceleration to stave off the winner; nonetheless she galloped on well to the line and was narrowly denied the win. Definitely a laudable effort, but to beat the winner at the weight difference would’ve taken a much better horse than what she was today. The first two were almost 4 lengths clear of Proud Bajan, finally in the money but still well off winning form. He was late to challenge but easily covered a fading Kanon a few jumps from the line. The winner was completing her fourth lifetime win, an impressive number considering that they form part of fourteen starts in which she’s never been lower than fourth. [ROG]

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

HEAVEN SENT in the Winners Enclosure with from left Mr. and Mrs. Mike
Challis, Trainer Edward Walcott Jnr. and Groom Shayle Ramsey

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

The Barbados Fillies Guineas Trophy being presented to young Cameron Challis Son of Mr. Mike Challis (left) and Mrs. Challis (2nd from right) friends of the winning connections by Sir David Seale President of the Barbados Turf Club also witnessing the presentation is Trainer Mr. Edward Walcott Jnr.

Race #
ID#
5
105

Track Condition

GOOD TO FIRM

THE BARBADOS FILLIES GUINEAS (GR.1RF. - BAR)

NO APPRENTICE ALLOWANCE

1570 Meters - WEST INDIAN BRED 3-YEAR-OLDS (FILLIES ONLY)

Total Purse $35,000 (Plus subscriptions totaling $17,350.00)

Winner $20,650 (Plus subscriptions totaling $9,543.00

Order of Finish

#

Horse

Weight

Jockey

1
#10 HEAVEN SENT 126 CHRIS HUSBANDS

2
#1 SWEET ENOUGH 126 J CRAWFORD

3
#11 JANAKI 126 A TROTMAN

4
#2 SILK N' SATIN(T) 126 A BISHOP

5
#6 SUNNY SIDE 126 RESHAWN LATCHMAN

6
#3 WHATALINE 126 W CAVE

7
#5 ATHENA(T) 126 K JOHN

8
#8 QUEENDORA(V) 126 JASON LEACOCK

9
#4 CHARLIE'S ANGEL 126 A WARD

10
#9 POSITIVE(B) 126 T FORDE

11
#7 UNEVERNO 126 J SAMUEL

12
#12 FAMILY AFFAIR 126 R HIBBERT

Time Fractions

¼ Mile

24.2

½ Mile

50.4

¾ Mile
1:15.0
1 Mile

Time

1:37.0

Distances

1¼, 2¼, 1¾, 4, ½, ¾, ¾, 5¼,NK, 1½, 12¼

Winner
3-Y-O BAY FILLY - SUPER JEBLAR - FLYING DOVE by BOOMERANG

Winning Trainer
E. WALCOTT JR.

Winning Owner
MRS. GAY SMITH

Winning Breeder
MRS. GAY SMITH

Payments

Win

Place

1st
10 1.90 1.45

2nd
1 1.95

3rd
11 1.80

Forecast
10-1 6.25

Quinella
1-10 or 10-1 2.35

Superfecta 10-1-11-2 142.20

Comments:

A smart field of twelve took aim at this year’s renewal of the only fillies Classic for three year old’s. This year’s group of ladies was generally overshadowed by the colts of their generation when in open contests, nonetheless it was still an interesting set of “distaffers” lining up for the valuable first prize. The batch was headed by 2008 Champion Two Year Old HEAVEN SENT, and she stubbornly re-asserted herself as the top filly with a stout performance in the Grade 1 event. She was not hustled to the business end of things as most expected, but remained in sync with the pace-making group a couple of lengths adrift. Her fan club would’ve had an anxious moment when she was pushed along at the four and surprisingly took uncharacteristically long to find her change of pace; but the favourite rewarded her backers with a stout finish to better a valiant Sweet Enough in the dying stages. The win pushed her earnings to over $147,000 having been lower than third only once in eight career starts to date. What more can be said about Sweet Enough? Her ability is well documented, but a run this big was quite a pleasant surprise after she finished down the field in the open Guineas when reportedly bleeding. She veered left from the inside rail leaving the gates, forcing everyone to the middle of the track before leading all but Janaki and Charlie’s Angel into the first turn. She quickened readily to grab the lead two furlongs out and gave a gutsy finish to be just headed by the winner. Janaki shot to the lead from the outside, and ensured the pace never dropped. She lost some momentum after giving up the lead to Sweet Enough, but would probably not have been anything but a closer third had it not occurred. Silk N Satin was at the flank of HEAVEN SENT around the Paddock Bend, but lacked pace when the clip increased going to the hill. She kept on well in the straight but was well-beaten and she’s yet to prove that she can handle these tougher campaigners. The result further adds to the success of Super Jeblar and Janak, as they were responsible for the winner and two place-getters respectively. HEAVEN SENT seems to be finally tapping into the stamina present on her dam side, and the additional furlong should suit her in the Derby Trial next month. [ROG]

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

LOOKS FAMILIAR?: PEACEFUL ENVOY (Juan Crawford) served serious

notice of his future intentions with yet another bloodless triumph,

his fourth in the last five starts.

Race #
ID#
6
106

Track Condition

GOOD TO FIRM

THE ZOUK (HANDICAP)

1100 Meters - 3-YEAR-OLDS AND OVER, 76 - 100
(ALSO OPEN TO 3-YEAR-OLD AND OVER HORSES RATED 75 AND BELOW)

Total Purse $10,000

Winner $5,500

Order of Finish

#

Horse

Weight

Jockey

1
#7 PEACEFUL ENVOY(T) 131 J CRAWFORD

2
#4 SUPER STAR 118 A BISHOP

3
#8 WORDS OF THE WISE(BT) 130 A WARD

4
#3 TIGA LILY 133 A TROTMAN

5
#10 TIME D'OR(D) 126 JASON LEACOCK

6
#11 SAMSAMSAM(B) 117 K JOHN (3)

7
#12 SABRIA LIGHT 108 K CARTER (7)

8
#9 DIVINE MESSENGER(B) 131 CHRIS HUSBANDS

9
#5 KUDAM 116 R HIBBERT

10
#13 BODY N SOUL(T) 110 J SAMUEL (7)

Time Fractions

¼ Mile

25.4

½ Mile

48.4

¾ Mile

1 Mile

Time

1:05.0

Distances

3¼, 1½, ½, ¾, Head, 2, ¾, 3, 1¼

Winner
3YO B COLT - FRENCH ENVOY - DAGMAR by DR. ADAGIO

Winning Trainer
R PEIRCE

Winning Owner
LORD MICHAEL TAYLOR - CLIFTON RACING

Winning Breeder
DEBORAH EVANS

Payments

Win

Place

1st
7 4.80 1.45

2nd
4 2.05

3rd
8 1.90

Forecast
7-4 10.20

Trifecta
7-4-8 36.90

Hi-5 7-4-8-3-10 833.30

Pick 4 2-11-11-7 1,000.00

Comments:

Spa Sprint 2010 hopefuls beware; for there’s a new sheriff in town and he’s taking no prisoners! The Robert Peirce-trained colt PEACEFUL ENVOY treated us to yet another display of mind-boggling acceleration to score a runaway win in this otherwise competitive handicap sprint. Returning to 1100 metres, the OBS Stakes winner has done very little wrong in his last six starts and looked like a budding sprint star in disposing of the field. With heads turned for home jockey Crawford shook the reins and the winner was quickly decided as the powerful colt proceeded to slaughter the decent bunch; he gladly put 3¼ lengths on his opponents with much to spare. The triumph sent a stern warning to would-be opposition for sprint supremacy, and was quite a serious effort considering he gave the talented Super Star 13lbs and a sound drubbing. Super Star had a good low draw and snatched the uncontested lead leaving the boxes. He tried hard to repel the winner when challenged but the response was inadequate. Though fairly beaten, he, still in fine form, is ahead of the others and is one to follow on his re-appearance. Words Of The Wise was also high in the handicap following decent form in recent times. The questionable ride he received offers an obvious explanation for his showing today, in a race in which he should’ve been more of a factor. Tiga Lily broke sharply but was quickly covered by speedier rivals. Blocked for racing room 400 metres from home, she soon found a seam towards the inside and finished well for fourth money. Time Do’r was well positioned for a shot at the lead on the final turn, but weakened in the stretch while under a full drive. [ROG]

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

Proud owner Lord Michael Taylor (left) and Ms. Deborah Burnett

lead DAYLIGHT EXPRESS and Anderson Ward back to parade after

his win in the GR. 3 Val Gale Cup.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUNIOR FRANKLYN

The VaL Gale Cup being presented to Lord Michael Taylor by Mr. Trevor A. D. Gale son of the late Mr. Val Gale. Witnessing the presentation are from right Ms. Deborah Burnett and friends of the winning connections.

Race #
ID#
7
107

Track Condition

GOOD TO FIRM

THE VAL GALE CUP (GR.111.-BAR)

1800 Meters - 3-YEAR-OLDS AND OVER, 119 - 140

(ALSO OPEN TO HORSES RATED 118 AND BELOW)

Total Purse $15,000

Winner $8,250

Order of Finish

#

Horse

Weight

Jockey

1
#3 DAYLIGHT EXPRESS 129 A WARD

2
#1 PREACH TO ME(T) 114 CHRIS HUSBANDS

3
#4 PURE TEMPTATION(BT) 121 A BISHOP (7)

4
#7 APOSTLE 130 A TROTMAN

5
#5 BOUNCEBAK 118 J CRAWFORD

Time Fractions

¼ Mile

25.6

½ Mile

48.8

¾ Mile
1:15.0
1 Mile
1:41.4

Time

1:50.4

Distances

5¾, ¾, 25¼, ¾

Winner
4-Y-O BROWN COLT - SEEKING DAYLIGHT - RANSOM DANCE by RED RANSOM

Winning Trainer
R. PEIRCE

Winning Owner
LORD MICHAEL TAYLOR - CLIFTON RACING

Winning Breeder
MR. EDWARD P. EVANS

Payments

Win

Place

1st
3 2.90 1.70

2nd
1 2.40

Forecast
3-1 19.65

Trifecta
3-1-4 51.10

Comments:

It promised to be somewhat of a Gold Cup rematch for fans, albeit not on similarly even terms as the local Creole Champion Apostle was the only one short of a run coming into the event. The gelding was having his first outing since Gold Cup day when he had what could’ve conceivably been his moment in time stolen at the start. Believers and detractors alike were anxious to witness the outcome (in some instances the start more so than the finish) perhaps to confirm or discredit the evidence surrounding the dark side of that day; and another clash with rival “turf giant” DAYLIGHT EXPRESS. It was not to be on this occasion, as Gold Cup winner DAYLIGHT EXPRESS capitalized on a fresh and possibly unfit Apostle, and relay-type tactics by his pace-setter Bouncebak to score yet another facile victory. The handsome colt crept up the rail on cue and continued the solo performance until virtually pulled up to a canter crossing the line. From the look of things the son of Seeking Daylight is still at the top of his game, and will continue being a hard horse to beat for as long as trainer Robert Peirce can keep him fit and happy. A long-looking 5¾ lengths back in second, Preach To Me got the better of Pure Temptation in what could’ve been mistaken for a separate race. The Liz Deane-trained Preach To Me ran poorly at last asking, but gave a better effort on this occasion, hopefully the start of a return to his best form. Pure Temptation won a fortnight ago and finished third here but still doesn’t seem to be the same horse we saw on the first Saturday in March, 2007. Apostle obviously needed the run as he threw in the towel at the four furlong pole; not surprising since he’s renown for being too keyed up first time out after a lay-off and never ran true. The start was as expected for those closest to the horse, for in his customary way he jumped into the bridle the instant starter Mark Batson sent them on their way. The finish however was nothing like what we’ve become accustomed to, as he had only Bouncebak behind him in the end. It’s still pleasing to see the gelding back in action after the controversy that tarnished an otherwise brilliant career. One can easily discard this run from Bouncebak as well, as it’s common knowledge as to her “job” in today’s event. Interesting it would be to see where and when she will be seen next to give a genuine and serious effort, with a likely target being the Breeders’ Classic later in the year. [ROG]