Chief Commander rompS in Shepherd Memorial

Always cruising in the 1750 metres event, apprentice Gary Laban gave the Alwin Poon Tip-owned four-year-old son of Freshly Squeezed/Concordia his head at the 300 metres stage and there were no challengers thereafter as he went on to a two-and-a-quarter length victory.

At the off, This Cat Is Back set out to make it all, but was beaten 300 metres out when the winner took over, while Rebel Music who was always close up had to give best in the final 200 metres.

Flying The Flag showed he will be a serious contender for the Royal Oak Derby with a smooth victory over eight other three-year-olds in the Newsday-sponsored race over 1750 metres.

This John O’Brien-trained colt took an early lead over his rivals and he slipped in another gear 600 metres out and won with authority in the good time of one minute 51.67 seconds.

Cuatro Tempo an early backmarker, ran on strongly but had no chance with the winner, while Really Quiet also came from way behind to get third.

Earlier, the seven-year-old Carnival Messiah showed he still had some juice in scoring in the WMJX 100.5 FM Restricted Handicap over 1200 metres.

Laban gave this Wilma Primus-owned ex-Derby winner a brilliant ride, coming from the back of the seven-horse field to touch off Rhythm Divine , just when that runner took over near the finish. Punto A Punto got third without really threatening the top two contenders, while pre-race favourite Movietowne Magic could manage only fourth.

There were some surprise winners on the day’s programme including New Star who won the Sunday Mirror race over 1750 metres, rewarding backers with $38.20 and $6.70 on the tote, while coupled with Groomsman and El Guerrouj the trifecta dividend was a good $1,987.80 and the superfecta with Traviata fourth paid $2,267.80.

Another long-priced winner was Speed in the I-95.5 race over 1200 metres to return $25.60 and $4.10 on the tote and along with Sweet N’ Beautiful and third Peace Of Mind, paid $2,988.80 on the trifecta and with Preferred Share in fourth the superfecta was a most handsome $5,360.20.

Laban and fellow apprentice Joshua Stephen took riding honours with two winning rides each, while O’Brien and Chester Roberts were the top trainers saddling two winners each.

There will be no racing on Saturday, and all preparations now are aimed at the Independence Day (August 31) Sagicor-sponsored programme.