UPTC Guineas landed at Crown Point

CROWN POINT made his 11 rivals look like complete hacks as he romped to victory in the classic UPTC Guineas at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday. Venezuelan rider Wilmer Galviz had the Freshly Squeezed/Bands O’Gold offspring on the heels of the early leaders in the 1800 metres race worth $125,000, just biding his time. Flying Millie was sent to the front 600 metres out by jockey Ricardo Jadoo and this Jamaican-bred filly looked all over a winner as the horses swung for home. But the huge Indian Arrival Day crowd stood in awe as Galviz produced Crown Point 300 metres from home, and Peter Hackett’s chestnut colt strode on majestically under Galviz’ urging to annihilate his field by a long looking seven-and-a-half lengths.

Flying Millie was clearly second best, while Danzc Royal ran on from the pack to grab third with Prince Charming trailing in fourth. Miss Lover Lover slipped her field 600 metres from home and with apprentice Joshua Stephen working desperately hard in the saddle, this American-bred five-year-old mare held off a sustained challenge from Fantastic Story to take the Eric “Colt” Durant Memorial Trophy over 1750 metres. Pre-race favourite Sugar Mike slapped with the welter burden of 59 kilos as the race was moved off the turf because of heavy showers, never raised a gallop.

Apprentice Gary Laban who was only able to ride after winning an injunction following a ten-day ban imposed by the ARC stewards and confirmed by the Trinidad and Tobago Racing  Authority, landed two winners including upstaging Emile Ramsammy, back from Canada for the meet,  in the Protector of the Immigrants optional claiming race astride Champagne Wager. He was joined by fellow apprentice Richard Mangalee who also had two winners as did Ricardo Jadoo. But Glenn Mendez was far and away the top trainer of the day saddling four winners including the Guineas. There were a couple stunning upset winners, with Champagne Wager rewarding backers with $33.20 and $5.40 on the tote, while Miss Lover Lover returned $29.80 and $9.60. And Miss Lover Lover featured in the biggest superfecta dividend along with Fantastic Story, Fabulous Risk and This Cat Is Back - $5,974.30.
Next race day is June 11.