The Harriram Gobin trained Master of War was impressive.
The Shivam Maharaj owned four-year-old chestnut colt was fractious at the start but put everything behind him including his rivals when the gates opened for the feature event at the Arima Race Club (ARC) eight-race card at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday.
Master of War was sent off as the 4-5 betting favourite for the main event, the Modified Benchmark Handicap for Three-year-old horses rated 90-70 going over a distance of 1,750 metres on the main track.
The John O'Brien trained Ravishing was well supported at 2-1 to get back on the winning trail but could not do so yesterday.
When the starter sent the seven-horse field on its way, Master of War was first to show but the Ravishing used her post position one draw to take the lead from the speedy Set sail with Master of War contented to take the trail in third with Magical Victory, a close up fourth. They were followed by Onefortheroad and Reggae Dancer with the ten-year-old Buffalo Soldier watching on some four lengths back bringing up the rear.
Going down the back-stretch Carlos Rojas who rode two winners on the day's card, sent Master of war up to contest the lead with Ravishing and Brian Boodramsing while Set Sail stayed in third with Magical Victory in touch in the fourth spot.
At the far turn, Rojas asked Master of War to go, and he opened a two-length gap on Ravishing with Set Sail still in touch and Magical Victory within hailing distance. The others were some way off the pace.
Coming to the corner, Master of War had put the race to bed as the son of Bridled Quest/Senorita Sinki moved six lengths clear of Ravishing who was keeping on as Set Sail continued to run on. It was here that the Buffalo Soldier began to run on in earnest and though unable to get anywhere near the top two, he was able to grab a creditable fourth place from Magical Victory.
At the line Master of War was an impressive seven and 1/4 lengths winner from Ravishing with Set Sail back in third.
The winner's time was a good 1:50.00 flat.
In the fifth event, a lucky punter walked away with $88,692.30 when he correctly selected the combination of Uncle Norman, Coutry Concert, Pontius Pilate, The Verdict and Star of Wonder in that order.
Training honours for the day were shared between Harold Chadee and Harriram Gobin whom both saddled two winners. Chadee was a happy man as he watched his three-year-old Regal Intension take on older horses and win over 1,350 metres in the fourth race on the card.
Riding honours fell to Carlos Rojas who rode two winners in San Antonio and Master of War.
Racing continues next week at the centralised facility.