Balgobin , ‘Tiger’ Ali star at Santa Rosa

Young apprentice Ridge Balgobin broke the Glenn Mendez-trained colt smartly, and swept into the lead 800 metres out to finish a clear 2 1/4 lengths ahead of Free Passage.

Earlier, newcomer Goloden Choice, also from the Mendez barn, blitzed a field of two-year-olds by an impopsing 14 ? lengths in winjing the 1200 metres race in a handy one minute 14.4 seconds.

Balgobin, a three kilo claimer, landed a double to join Ronald “Tiger” Ali as the star riders of the day. Ali’s dual success extended his lead over champion jockey Prayven Badrie who drew a blank yesterday, to four. He has chalked up 39 winning rides for the season so far.

Mendez was by far the top trainer yesterday, saddling three winners which takes him to within two of the suspended John O’Brien. He has now saddled 33 winners.

Biggest Hi5 dividend came in the final race on the combination of War Brigade, Blazing Spirit, Root Of Jesse, Cloud Nine and Wall Street __ $14,578.40.

The popular Hi5 had climbed to `a healthy $80,675.40 in the fifth and first of the day.