The quest to win Barbados’ next Triple Crown is still alive as Nekitta held off ten other competitors to win the Barbados Midsummer Creole Classic yesterday at the Garrison Savannah.
On Barbados Creole Classic Race Day, the Lewin Godding-owned, Victor Cheeseman-trained filly stormed down the outside of the field to deny early leader The Price Is Right and take the second jewel in the Triple Crown.
Jockey Antonio “Swagga” Whitehall must be commended for a brilliant ride in the race for West Indian-bred three-year-olds over 1 800 metres.
At the start, Khartoum predictably contested the lead with The Price Is Right and Vanity Affair, and favourite Nekitta tracking in fourth position.
Khartoum led them down the homestretch for the first time, the clear leader as his followers ran under tight rein.
Caution proved the correct choice as Khartoum reverted to his old habit, bolting in the paddock turn and throwing jockey Jalon Samuel who journeyed from West Virginia just for this ride.
That left The Price Is Right, Vanity Affair, Cabin Boy, Nekitta, Zouk’s Girl and Knight Rider within contention along the back stretch.
At the three-furlong marker, Whitehall, sensing that danger was lurking along the rail, switched his charge to the outside for a clear run, a move that would prove decisive.
The pair turned for home in fourth position and gradually reeled in the leader for the half-length victory.
The Price Is Right was very game under jockey Kenny John but had nothing left when it mattered most and came in second.
Vanity Affair, under regular rider Ricky Walcott, took third place while jockey Antonio Bishop and Knight Rider finished well to secure fourth.
In the supporting feature race, the Seeing Red Handicap, Gay Smith’s Meteorite backed up his third-place finish in the Gold Cup by winning that event for four-year-old and older horses rated 90-110 and also open to horses rated 89 and below over 1 570 metres.
The Edward Walcott-trained gelding was settled in fourth position behind leaders Vitality, Slip Stream and Iamsogroovy when jockey Bishop, who scored a double, asked for a final effort at the two-furlong marker.
The gap had closed entering the home stretch, but Meteorite galloped away from his rival despite 130 pounds top weight.
Cinnamon Jane, under apprentice Fernandez Drakes-Small, took second. Kendal Moon and Anderson Trotman closed nicely to capture third and Modimo with Antonio Whitehall fourth.
Bishop had started the day on a positive note aboard Blue Diamond Racing-owned Rickoshey in the Shift And Sure Condition Race for three-year-olds and West Indian-bred four-year-olds and older horses rated 55-80 over 1 570 metres.
The season continues on Saturday, July 20.
