ON THE just concluded fifth day of the Barbados Turf Club’s second racing season – the Midsummer Creole Classic Race Day – jockey Kenny John used the opportunity to remind race fans of his under-rated talent by registering three excellent victories at the Garrison Savannah.
Despite a noticeable increase in body weight he now seems more focused on the requirements of his chosen profession when compared to the very relaxed approach he displayed ever since losing his apprenticeship.
John, who opted to remain home this year following a stint at Northlands Park in Canada, started his day with a well-timed and workmanlike come-from-off-the-pace win aboard the Ruby Farms-owned and Liz Deane-trained gelding Cassanova.
They took the Country Squire Handicap for three-year-olds and older horses rated 18-40 over 1 570 metres. It was Cassanova’s second career success with the victories 16 months apart.
John then continued his rich vein of form as he partnered with the Jonathon Simpson-trained Little Man Arran who recorded another impressive victory. The Bill and Haley Blevins-owned colt landed the Lady Miriam Handicap for three-year-olds and older horses rated 88-100 over 1 570 metres.
Clearly Little Man Arran has returned to his best having endured a slump of form coming out of this year’s Sandy Lane Gold Cup. John then closed out the afternoon in spectacular fashion as he teamed up with the Sir Robin Buchanan, P. Isdell, S. Panter and Ursula Zindel-Hilti-owned filly Lady Quill.
The pair won the Red Wine Condition race for imported three-year-olds and older horses rated 63-85 and opened to horse rated 62 and below over 1 570 metres. The Andrew Nunes-trained filly was expertly positioned throughout the race, saving ground along the rail.
However, she was called upon to produce her best effort to hold off stablemate Cinnamon Jane. This resulted in a one-two finish for trainer Nunes and his second win on the day’s card to be the most successful trainer on the programme.
The combination of jockey John and Nunes have struck up a good partnership and now have a 100 per cent record this season having scored previously with Wingman and now Lady Quill.
Based on the behaviour of this year’s juvenile crop, kudos should be given to the organizers who saw it fit to introduce them to the environs previously on two race days prior to their racing debut.
The eventual winner Vanity Affair was calm through her introduction and gave owner Mark Armstrong and trainer Victor Cheeseman their only success on the card. Nekitta also trained by Victor Cheeseman, looked good during the race, allowing Cheeseman to take the top two positions.
Sweet Bottom Sarah, which is owned and trained by John D. Chandler displayed great promise to take third. As they get more familiar with this racing game, one can look forward to further improvements from these promising juveniles.
