DEBONAIR DAVID justified favouritism when he impressively slammed four other opponents to win the feature St Ann’s Garrison Handicap over 1570 metres at the Garrison Savannah on Saturday.
The Hopefield Stable- based imported colt, which is owned by Sir David Seale and trained by Liz Deane, is by Sir Prancealot out of Peyto Princess. He sat just off a testing pace set by Spartacus who was quickly joined by second choice in the betting Stolen.
On leaving the starting gates, the duo matched strides with each other in an effort to gain control of the early fractions.
Trotman, astride Debonair David, never looked fazed by what was unfolding upfront and kept his charge relaxed until the two-furlong pole.
Meanwhile, Spartacus stretched his slender head advantage over Stolen, whose position became increasingly questionable as his rider was all over her requesting plenty more from her to which she had little left. However, Debonair David, in the twinkling of an eye, rushed along Spartacus to deliver his challenge.
The pair turned into the homestretch with Trotman’s foot firmly planted on the accelerator and it enable Debonair David’s surge to glory. Spartacus stayed on for the runners-up position, way ahead Janak’s Gold. This result completed a brace for the combination of Sir David, trainer Deane and jockey Trotman.
Earlier, the trio opened the Historic Bridgetown And Its Garrison Raceday in grand style when outsider Brigadier Wood upset hot favourite Javalier enroute to a three and three quarter length success in the 1800 metres Parliament Buildings Of Barbados Handicap. Javailer’s hat-trick was not to be as she apparently bled through her nostrils in the race.
Leading jockey Rasheed Hughes also landed a brace on the firm track conditions to extend his table lead to 19 wins. He made all the running from the gates with the Aysha Syndicate colt What A Bird as they safely took the 1100 metres Cheapside Gardens Handicap for maiden three-year-olds.
Hughes partnered the Steve Samaroo owned colt Rockley to come away with a surprise win in the Queen’s Park Handicap for sprinters over 1 100 metres rated 50-30. The duo became buried deep in the latter part of the field following the early blitz of Quality Star, Amber Rush, Burbon Street, Midnight Chick, Jewel and Sebastian.
Leaders Quality Star, Amber Rush and Burbon Street all began sending distress signals just short of the homestretch, paving the way to anyone. The chasing pack all went wide and Rockley eventually marched his way into contention just off the rails.
Turning into the homestretch, he then picked off some tired horses to win at the day’s biggest odds of 12-1.
The season will continue on June 23 when it bill be unto the second Jewel of the Barbados Triple Crown, where Guineas winner Gandalf looks to keep his Triple Crown hopes alive. (LY)
