Invincibility sips Republic Bank Champagne

It began when Greek Princess could only finish third behind long shot winner Magic Moments and Angel Of Music in the Republic Bank Ibis Stakes for three-year-old filies over 1350 metres.

And in the Flamingo Stakes for the three-year-old colts and geldings, the favoured Harbour Master failed to land a blow, finishing well down the field in the race won by Sara’s Music from Jacobite and Adios Amigos.

But the biggest upset came in the Republic Bank Champagne Stakes feature over 1600 metres on the turf course, won by Invincibility, beating stablemate Peace Offering and Chief Commander, who later survived an objection.

The day began in brilliant sunshine, and the day was blessed with a huge Easter holiday crowd, with the women sporting their lovely Easter Bonnets.

Turfites got off to a good start when favoured Sara’s Song landed the spoils, and it continued with Sachina taking the second. At the off in the Ibis, the favourite Greek Princess found herself shut off by a bunch of horses, but approaching the final corner had every chance but failed to go through with her run.

Meanwhile, Magic Moments who was in mid-division, launched her challenge and just got up to score by a neck over Angel Of Music who looked all over a winner when picking up the running. Adios Amigos set off to make it all in the Flamingo and looked likely to do just that, but inside the final 200 metres there came both Jacobite and Sara’s Music with jockey Jody Arneaud driving his mount for all he was worth to just get the better of Jacobite.

Invincibility and early backmarker, came with a rattle down the stretch to pull away from his field to land the $100,000 Republic Bank Champagne Stakes from Peace Offering who rallied after giving up the lead 300 metres out.

Chief Commander came from out of the pack to grab third with Top Of The Class who led briefly before going a trifle wide, taking fourth.

Riding honours were shared by defending champion Wilmer Galviz and Gary Laban who both landed two winners each, while champion John O’Brien and Walter Debysingh topped the trainers with also two winners each.

Best tote dividend came in the final race won by Footwork which rewarded backers with $34.30 and $6.50, while coupled with Peace Offering, the exact payout was a handsome $1,859.20.