KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Quick Galloper does a quick assessment of the 10 races run at Caymanas Park on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
A RARE OCCURRENCE
After the running of the eighth race, Show Girl as expected emerged as the winner, defeating first-timer Bazinga. Then the announcement came: “Hold your tickets, there is an owner’s objection launched by the owner of second-placed Bazinga.” An owners’ objection at Caymanas Park is a rare occurrence, as usually, objections are launched by jockeys. In this unique case, the race days stewards discarded the objection, with the original result standing.
THE JOCKEYS
In the jockeys’ race champion Anthony Thomas entered locked with the same number of wins as Dane Dawkins. Thomas, despite jumping up on several well-backed horses, was not able to find the winning post as a winner. Dawkins was himself subdued with one winner (God of Love), to lead in the race by one.
The race day was dominated by jockeys Robert Halledeen and Reyan Lewis with two winners each. The Quick Galloper has a lot of time for Lewis, who is developing his skills at a rapid rate.
Nice to see struggling jockey Natalie Berger on a winner. Natalie gets few rides these days, yet she is still active in the mornings. The hope is that this young lady will continue to develop and ultimately earn more visits to the winners' enclosure.
THE TRAINERS
No trainer was able to win more than one race. Of the three leading conditioners (Gary Subratie, Anthony Nunes, and Jason DaCosta), only DaCosta saddled a winner, two-year-old Show Girl, in the eighth.
Special mention is made of trainers Renex Burrell and Steadman Curtis. Burrell saddled second race winner Queen Deftiny, his second from only ten starts this season. Curtis saddled his first for the year (19 starts) when Freedom for Eds won the second race. What was interesting, is that, Freedom for Eds bolted from his starting barrier, with jockey Natalie Berger able to get him under control.
A special mention must be given to trainer Fitzgerald Richards for bringing God of Love to the wicket in immaculate condition, leading to a facile win in the Open Allowance grade.
THE HORSES PLUS THE ONES TO WATCH
God of Love proved his class once again, while favourite in the Open Allowance sprint Madelyn’s Sunshine took the lead but faltered in the straight. The issue with God of Love is to enter Grade One and be successful.
First-timer, two-year-old Bazinga ran encouragingly to finish a close second behind Show Girl. Bazinga is definitely one to watch.
For long-term watchers put in a glance at Boasey, also a first-time juvenile.
