Nekitta Drew?first blood in the First Jewel of the 2013 Barbados Triple Crown with a devastating late burst that easily dismissed her 11 opponents in the 63rd Barbados Guineas at the Garrison Savannah.
On a beautifully prepared and good track, the Lewin Godding-owned filly was confidently ridden by Antonio Whitehall in the event for West Indian-bred three-year-olds at allotted weights over 1 570 metres.
It was sweet revenge for trainer Victor Cheeseman – not only did he run first-second as he had predicted but the filly had been disqualified in her last two wins at this distance.
Whitehall settled the mare by Feet On Flames out of Black Bird just off the pace, which was set by The Price Is Right and Snow White with Stratford’s Lad close by.
Vanity Affair tracked Nekitta while Gold Mine and Sweet Bottom Sarah stayed in contention. When the horses met the rising ground, leader Snow White was overtaken by The Price Is Right.
She opened a two-length lead on a struggling Stratford’s Lad at the quarter mark, with Nekitta, Vanity Affair and Sweet Bottom Sarah chasing.
Turning into the home stretch, The Price Is Right began to shorten strides.
Vanity Affair appeared on the outside while Nekitta had split the former leaders. After a couple of cracks, Nekitta sped away from the field in her usual effortless way.
Vanity Affair ran another encouraging race with jockey Ricky Walcott aboard to take second position, completing Cheeseman’s top-two finish.
Sweet Bottom Sarah closed nicely under Jarelle Beckles to take third, while The Price Is Right with Kenny John held on for fourth.
The final day of the Barbados Turf Club’s first racing season will have special memories for rookie Damario Bynoe as his three winners on the day – the most by a jockey on the card – gave him the first season title with 12 wins.
Bynoe started with a win astride the Cheryl Small-owned Steppin Razor in the Candy Man Handicap for three-year-old and older horses over 2 000 metres.
Next, he did all the running in the Credit Note Handicap with Blue Diamond Racing-owned Show Me The Money over 1 800 metres.
He closed out the day with another win for Blue Diamond Racing and trainer Anderson Ward aboard Verden in the Summer Melody Handicap over 1 100 metres.
