For several decades owner George Devere Davis has been one of this country’s top breeders, having bred several top-class horses, including the great Creole Coo Bird Derby winner of 1989.
Among his other Derby successes are Happy Style, 1985, Ginger Dove, 1990, and Oba Dove, 2002. There can be no doubt regarding his expert knowledge of bloodlines and immense quality equines.
Located at Walkers in St George, his racing empire’s success at distance races is clearly demonstrated by importeds such as Stylish Run, Rare Dove, who was bred in the United Kingdom and foaled in Barbados, Lady Jasmine, Boomerang and China Silk, all of whom later became great assets to his breeding stock.
Davis’ career results indicate that he is synonymous with stayers; however, now in the latter stages of his racing career he is experiencing winds of change (sprinting), as Joshua, a son of Janak out of China Silk, who is laser quick, has thrust him into the spotlight once more with some electrifying performances.
Having recovered from a career threatening injury which sidelined him for eight months in 2013, Joshua’s wiring of the field in last Saturday’s featured Trevor Gale Memorial Handicap over 1 100 metres for horses rated 95-75 has now moved his career statistics to five wins, all sprints, one third and a solitary fourth from eight starts.
He has exceptional potential, he is laser quick and has a tremendous finishing burst which he exemplified on the opening day of the Barbados Turf Club’s 2015 season. During the race as the horses approached the quarter pole, Joshua was moving like a Rolls Royce before swiftly acquiring the lead and then being switched off midstretch so that he could canter home.
Joshua’s performances are comparable with those of the island’s other top sprinters, namely Wild Cat Tea, Markos and to a lesser extent A.P. Vincero. Although Shared Adventure has not sparked for some time, at even weights and class he remains a live factor.
Based on Joshua’s timely and rapid improvement, once he remains fit an imminent appearance in the March 7 Sandy Lane Spa Sprint Stakes seems to be on the cards for this speedster; a race that will tell all who is the best sprinter in the land.
Another shining beacon on the Hall Of Fame Race Day was a soothing performance by first-time starter English Rose, who is a full sister to the top-class mare Bouncebak.
Filling her shoes will be no easy task but the manner surrounding her success in the Spa Ferry Condition Race for two-year-old maidens at time of entry over 1 100 metres was very encouraging as she responded immediately when asked by jockey Antonio Whitehall.
First, the daughter of Janak out of Rebound closed the gap on the leaders Island Woman, Gayzing and Mira’s Image. She then moved into a challenging position on the outside, eventually drawing off for the win, all traits associated with champions. With improvement on the horizon she must be seriously monitored as the classics beckon.
The combination of owners Michael and Margo Atkinson could have a major decision to make in respect of their gelding Stratford’s Lad, after he won the Stewart Massiah Memorial Handicap for horses rated 70-52 over 1 800 metres.
Their attention could now be focused on the March 7 Tanglewood Stakes over 2 000 metres. The first nominations for that event are due at the BTC’s office on Friday.
