Phantom Bidder cruises to ARC Cup

PHANTOM BIDDER made hash of his four rivals to put the $45,000 winner’s purse into the account of owner Nazir Ahamad in capturing the Group 1 feature Arima Race Club Cup at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday.

At the off in the 1800 metres event, Phantom Menace took the ascendency tracked by The Bidder and Fresh Tempo. This John O’Brien-trained Phantom Bidder took the lead after 800 metres only to be passed again by Phantom Menace briefly. The pre-race favourite was in cruise control 600 metres out and kicked clear inside 200 metres leaving his challengers struggling to win by seven lengths. Morgan Heritage ran on from the back to get second 15 lengths ahead of a tired Phantom Menace. Ichiban made light work of the three-year-olds to take the Grade 2 Royal Colours Classic over 1350 metres. Always well positioned, the evens favourite took the lead 600 metres out and when Top Of The Class challenged, the chestnut son of Freshly Squeezed/Iador sprinted clear for an emphatic six-length victory and later survived an objection to give ace trainer O’Brien the “big race” double.

There were a few mild upsets on the day’s 11-race programme with the biggest coming in the ninth race when Rhythm Divine surprised all to reward backers with $29.30 and $9.00 on the tote. But the best trifecta dividend was paid out on the Upset All, Sir Vidia, Hatrick combination which paid $6,157, with the best superfecta payout being on the Kent’s Delight, Joint Venture, Cash Reward, Hot Way quartet of $5,015.60. Nobel Abrego and Wilmer Galviz shared the riding honours, landing two winners each, while O’Brien and Glenn Mendez were the most successful trainers also with two winners apiece. Racing continue on Saturday, Day 8 of the Arima Race Club season at the same venue.