The shrewd Maniram 'Boboy' Maharaj celebrated Independence Day in style by landing a touch yesterday, when he saddled the 23/1 outsider First To Fly, to win the feature Grade One-Bernard Dulal-Whiteway Independence Cup over 1,800 metres on a good/soft Turf Track at Santa Rosa Park, Arima.
In front of a large holiday crowd on Neal and Massy Day at The Races, Keishan Balgobin gave First To Fly a confident ride to land the $120,000 first prize cheque by 2 1/2 lengths. The Glenn Mendez trained Perfect Circle ran on well for second at odds of 30/1 while Raging Halo got third with favourite and Horse Of The Year 2009/10 Bruceontheloose a well beaten fifth on his turf debut.
An elated Maharaj who said at the Neal & Massy Press Conference that he could win the event should Bruceontheloose not handle the track, has again vindicated himself. He said, "Bernard was my friend and I wnted to win this event in his honour, I am a very happy to have done it. This horse is a very good horse and I had the confidence that he would go close. Keishan Balgobin rode him well and rode to instruction and won it the way that I thought he could." When the eight horse wfield was sent on their way Treasure Each Day was ent to the front by Ricky Jadoo and he was closely attended by High Mas with Just Call Me Roger moving up and Bruceontheloose in fourth. These were followed by Raging Hallo, and Wild Shuffle while First To Fly and Perfect Circle were contented to observe from the rear.
Going down the backstretch, Treasure Each Day continued to lead as he set a strog pace with Just Call Me Roger two length down in second Bruceontheloose moved into third in front of High Mas as First To Fly tracked the leading bunch. At the far turn the race changed dramatically as Treasure Each Day continued to lead but his lead was being eroded by an improving First To Fly as Just Call Me Roger threw in the towel and High Mas hoisted the white flag. Coming to the corner Balgobin sent First to Fly to win his race and the colt opened up a four length lead on Treasure Each Day which was now under pressure as Raging Halo and Perfect Cricle made their run at the leader.
However there was no catching First To Fly, which kept up the gallop as Perfect Circle stayed strongly for on for second. The Tres Amigos-owned Bruceontheloose which was defending his title in the event, was never a factor. First To Fly recorded the time of 1:55.1 for the trip. Training honours for the day at the sixth event was shared between held by Douglas Bennett and Derick Mosca who saddled two winners apiece. Bennett saddled Eli Girl and Loan Shark whiel Mosca was victorious with Lady Marisa and Big Mama. Racing takes a break this Saturday but returns on Septmeber 10th.
