Super Grey easily wins Lara race

SUPER GREY, always cruising on the bit, made light work of his five rivals to land the feature Brian Lara Starter Allowance at the Arima Race Club “Friday Lime” at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday. But the world record holder for most runs by an individual in a Test innings, 400 not out, was not at the track to see it. Lara earlier sent a letter to ARC president Gerard Ferreira apologising for his absence. Champion jockey Brian Harding had the Jamaican-bred grey gelding tracking leaders Ooze and Punto A Punto most of the 1750 metres of the main course, after officials decided to switch from the turf.

And he asked his mount to accelerate at the 300 metres marker and he swept past the leading duo with consummate ease to run out and two and three-quarter lengths winner frm Punto A Punto, to give trainer Douglas Bennett a one-two in the event worth $23,000. But heavily backed Movietowne Magic was as dismal failure in the day’s final event, which prompted a superfecta dividend of $32,142.60 on the combination of surprise winner Maid Of Honour, Lovely Honoree, Bon Voyage and Naturelly Classy. Tote payments were very moderate except when Jay-Low surprised turfites to reward backers with $30.20 and $3.80. Venezuelan jockey Wilmer Galviz stole the riding honours landing three winners on the day’s nine-race programme, while Harding had two winning rides. John O’Brien was the leading trainer on the day, saddling three winners while Rohit Dube had two.