It was back to the old stomping ground for top breeder George Devere Davis when his handsome three-year-old gelding Jericho showed his fledging immense talent by soundly defeating the raging favourite Stealin to win the 29 running of the Grade Ii Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Breeders’ Stakes And Trophy over 1 570 metres at the Garrison Savannah yesterday.
Fresh off an outstanding maiden victory previously by a dozen lengths, Jericho, under jockey Rasheed Hughes showed no mercy on his rivals when given his marching orders, eventually galloping home easily. He was never called upon to use his early speed as Quality Star and My Friend Patch set off like runaway freight trains.
Davis, who first won this race back in 1989 with Coo Bird, would have been pleased when Jericho kicked for home at the two furlong pole gliding between a tiring My Friend Patch and his stablemate Toco Man. With the home stretch rapidly approaching the unbeaten Stealin got within striking distance in full gear.
However, she had no answer as Jericho was simply travelling too well, after taking aim at the winner Stealin first run on a firm track ended with a third place result. Gandalf, one of two maidens in the field, surged through the stretch to rush by Stealin and take the runners-up spot.
Toco Man, also a winner last effort, made a good move at the quarter pole which eventually landed him fourth place. Jericho win gave trainer Boston John his second win in this race as he first won it with Fresh Milk in 2008.
In the Coolmore “Home of Champions” Stakes and Trophy, Northern Star earned a hard-fought victory over the top class over 1 800 metres. The large crowd got their monies worth as the Mervyn Rollins and Victor Cheeseman owned horse joined Just A Fashion in a breathtaking home stretch battle.
Northern Star, with Jalon Samuel astride, just kept on grinding out the finish to eventually get the better of his challenger by half length. The much anticipated clash between the winner and Infrared never materialised despite his being in close proximity.
No sooner had this race finished the arguments among fans began as to why the Victor Cheeseman trained Horse Of The Year connections have opted not to run in next month’s Gold Cup but rather defend their title in the 2 000 metres Tanglewood Stakes And Trophy.
Cheeseman shone brightest of all in the trainers category, landing a treble on the Realtors Limited Raceday Card. He took the Realtors Limited Agents Of Guardian General Insurance Limited Condition Race over 1 570 metres with Aysha Syndicates Majestic Star.
Along with Northern Star’s victory, Cheeseman’s mare Middle Passage, also owned by Aysha Syndicate, blew up the tote board at the handsome odds of 18-1 when taking race seven, the Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals Limited Handicap over 1 800 metres. (LY)