Before a large crowd, Sir Charles Williams’ filly Kendal Moon ran away from the field in yesterday’s feature race, the Diamonds International/MontBlanc Meisterstuck Handicap.
On the good track conditions which existed at the Garrison Savannah, last year’s United Derby winner Kendal Moon was settled mid-pack on the outside after a field of three-year-olds and older horses rated 88-110 and those rated 87 and below were sent on their way by starter Mark Batson.
Going a distance of over 1 570 metres, Preach To Me went for the early lead followed by Captain Sully, Indanger, Charge It and Greeley Gone West.
Positions remained unchanged until the horses reached the three-furlong marker where Sea Gypsy, Kendal Moon and Ring Time could all be seen making some progress.
As the horses got into top gear, the early leaders all fell away. Entering the homestretch, Indanger and Sea Gypsy raced as a team with the Andrew Nunes-trained Kendal Moon ominously positioned on the outside to strike.
Popular victory Jockey Jonathon Grant then asked the daughter of Moon Solitaire-Zelina to show her prowess. She easily strode away from her competition for the popular victory. Indanger, ridden by Antonio Bishop, ran a surprisingly good race and held on to the second position.
Ring Time, under Antonio Whitehall, once again left it late and with too much to do. He got up for third and Fusaichi Ridge, partnered by Reshawn Latchman, ran another good race to take fourth.
Although the smallest field on the card, the four entrants in the 2011 Sale Graduates Futurity Condition race for Barbados bred two-year-olds (at time of entry) over 1 100 metres, provided the most exciting finish.
In a driving finish, Lord Michael Taylor-owned Verkauf, spectacularly ridden by Paul Eddery, prevailed over Capere with Kyle Carter in the saddle.
On leaving the gates, Capere jumped on top and was quickly joined by Gorgeous as they contested the lead for the first furlong and a half.
The lead was picked up by Verkauf, who became locked in battle two furlongs from home with Capere. The two would fight it out to the finish. At the wire, Verkauf got the job done by a neck. Gorgeous, ridden by Grant, was third, with Mudlark and Whitehall fourth.
Jalon Samuel was the only jockey on the eight-race card to score a double. Samuel started the day off by winning the Diamonds International/MontBlanc Solitaire Handicap for three-year-olds and older rated 0-35 (at the time of entry) with the Mark Goodridge-owned Quick City for trainer Eddie Belle.
This was followed by a comfortable victory aboard the Attie Joseph III and Saffie Joseph Jr-owned Uncle Jerry for trainer David Yearwood.
The next race day is scheduled for January 21.
