KINGSTON, Jamaica – This week’s RACE DAY VERDICT! pays tribute to the truly Classical performance in the 1000 Guineas (fillies only) by the Anthony Nunes trained, I Am Di One.
Not only was the win decisive but one should always remember that this was the only the second time that the three-year-old bay filly was racing competitive.
Then to make I Am Di One’s victory even more impressive is that the filly was racing against the cream of the crop on the female side and none came even close.
It was a rare training feat by Nunes who must be congratulated on his sterling Classic efforts. While buoyed by the fabulous performance of I Am Di One, Nunes must have been a touch disappointed by the performance of entry Corazon, who was chosen as the top female two-year-old of last year. Corazon showed up early but faded away without ever putting a serious note on proceedings.
Simon Husbands, the jockey who guided I Am Di One to the Guineas winning post said after the race that the filly is going to be even more effective going over two turns – so, woe betide the other three-year-olds including the colt and geldings.
Quickgallop.com congratulates all the connections of the talented I Am Di One.
NUNES FOUR – TIMER
If ever there was a year that Nunes finds himself in the driver’s seat as far as the trainers’ championship is concerned, it is 2019.
Nunes now runs a real high-powered stable, local style, packed with runners across all the classes.
While, champion Wayne DaCosta, Nunes’ perennial rival is woefully short especially with his three-year-olds.
Since the start of this year, Nunes has been relentless and it was vividly projected on 1000 Guineas Day, when he saddled four winners including, I Am Di One.
“Baba” as Nunes is known is truly fit and proper this year.
CHRISTOPHER MAMDEEN'S WINNING TRAIL
This young claiming apprentice is igniting the winner’s flame and is on fire. Mamdeen has now ridden 9 winners over the course of the last three race days. Three of these winners came on Saturday (April 13, 2019).
He sits alone at the head of the jockeys’ championship with 26 winners, one ahead of Omar Walker.
Now, Mr Mamdeen is on top of the world yet we have seen glorious starts like this from others. Remember, Linton Steadman, Bebeto Harvey, Ramon Parish and many others who have all walked on the fiery path now being blazed by Mamdeen.
Let’s hope, Mr Mamdeen is an exception, certainly for his sake and that of racing, as it is always good to have another effective jockey on the scene.
