The John O'Brien trained Awesome April justified her favouritism in the feature event, the Chan Ramlal Ltd Champagne Stakes, on the turf course at Santa Rosa Park in Arima on Easter Monday, yesterday.
In front of a good crowd, punters made the Shivam Maharaj-owned filly the 6-5 favourite and she did not disappoint in the 1,600m grade two event.
From the off, Lord Silver was put straight into the lead and he was followed by Trini Navigator and Root of Jesse with Stockyard, tracking in fourth. Awesome April was held up by Rico Hernandez in fifth with Battle Cry close-up while Sea Of Gdansk and old-stager Buffalo Soldier were content to observe from the back.
Going down the backstretch, Lord Silver opened up a two-length gap on Trini Navigator as Stockyard moved menacingly into the third position ahead of Root of Jesse. At this point, Awesome April was pucked in against the rail looking at the leaders.
At the far turn, Lord Silver came under pressure as Stockyard came for the lead but just as he was about to hit the front, Hernandez allowed Awesome April to move on the outside and challenge the lead. Trini Navigator came under pressure as Root of Jesse still kept pace.
Coming to the corner, Awesome April took control and quickened a length and a half ahead of Stockyard with Root Of Jesse battling on.
Inside the final 200m, Hernandez kept Awesome April up to her job and she stayed on impressively to win by one and a quarter length. Stockyard finished second ahead of Root Of Jesse and Battle Cry was fourth.
The winner's time was 1:36.4.
In the co-feature event, the Chan Ramlal Ltd Chief Commander Classic over a distance of 1,600 metres on the turf course, champion trainer Glenn Mendez showed why he had the honour of being called as such, by producing the first two horses past the post. Punters made Riverine and Early Bird, the joint-favourite at 6-5.
When the starter sent the field on its way, Leonardo Prayer was sent straight to the front by Dillon Khelawan and he led for most of the way.
It was a contrasting ride though. At the far turn, Leonardo Prayer looked like he would steal the victory as Early Bird began to challenge.
However, Ricky Jadoo moved Riverine into a challenging position.
Inside the final 200m, Jadoo released Riverine with a very strong run and from then on Leonardo didn't have a prayer. Riverine pulled away for an impressive win in the time of 1:40.0.
The day’s riding honours were shared between Hernandez and Khelawan. Training honours for the day went to O'Brien.
Racing takes a break this weekend.