Sugar Mike makes it look easy

SUGAR MIKE made it look ridiculously easy in winning the Handicap 2 and Lower race on Day 14 of the Arima Race Club 2003 season at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday. Champion jockey Rajpaul Rajkumar had his mount well placed throughout the 1200 metres event, and surged into lead 600 metres out. From then, without much urging, Sugar Mike strode away to win by a comfortable three and three-quarter lengths. Gold Master, thought to be Sugar Mike’s main rival, was slowly into stride but took up the running after only 100 metres. But after the winner pounced, Gold Master had nothing left and was also soundly beaten by second placed Man Of Class.

The day’s racing had a touch of comedy in the sixth event when jockey Roger Freeman astride Never Ever Worrie was injured in the starting stalls. Initially, Freeman decided against continuing, but later had a change of heart and remounted. But to the surprise of all, after Never Ever Worrie finished one before last in the event, the stewards announced that the gelding was withdrawn and all bets refunded. Jockeys Rajkumar and Ricardo Jadoo shared the day’s honours landing two winners each, while Chester Roberts saddled two winners to be the top trainer. With relatively small fields, payments were moderate with only one superfecta dividend reaching over $2,000.