Former champion jockey Ronald "Tiger" Ali was confident that Princess Suri would win the co-feature Carib Brand-Diamond Stakes over 1,350 metres on the main track at Santa Rosa Park, Arima on Republic Day.
The Shaffique Khan trained speedster showed to all and sundry that she will be a dominant force in all the major staying events for the remainder of the 2018 season.
To say she won is good but the manner of victory was worth savouring. When the starter sent the field on its way, the favourite Princess Suri was one from last but gradually made up ground to be in contention after running back in fourth and settling between the field going to the far turn.
Suddenly, Princess Suri was not travelling as well and lost two places with the hat-trick-seeking Rocket Wheels travelling like the race winner.
Once the horses swung for home, Ali pulled Princess Suri to the outside, the daughter of Super Saver/Big Bambu began to motor up the centre of the track making her intentions very clear.
Punters and turfites were on their feet as Rico Hernandez sent Rocket Wheel into a clear three-length lead with Princess Suri cutting into the deficit. It looked a tall task but the Suraj Hayban owned three-year-old chestnut filly exploded under Ali and ran out an impressive 1 1/4 lengths winner.
The Jerry Narace owned/John Leotaud trained filly, Rocket Wheels, looked to have it all sewn up until Princess Suri flew past to collect her diamond.
A happy Ali said after, "She did not like being between the horses and it was only when I put her on the outside for clear sailing that she accelerated. Once she got going I was not worried as she is a very intelligent horse and knows where the line is. She simply devoured the ground in the final 100 metres. She is a class act."
Trainer Shaffique Khan, who was very confident before the event was satisfied that she won.
He said, "She is a top stayer in the making and she will now be trained for the Gold Cup. The manner in which she won the President Cup and the way she motored up the straight augurs well for her chances in future races. Her father is a Classic winner and her mother won seven graded events so on both sides of her pedigree she has class. She will be very difficult to beat in the staying events later in the year."
Owner Suraj Hayban was equally confident about taking the Diamond home and he said, "She was galloping well and we knew she was ready. Once in line for home and she in the clear, I knew she was going to catch Rocket Wheels which ran a great race. She is getting better and I am looking forward to the Gold Cup. I've won the Stewards Cup on two occasions with Concert Hall which was trained by Jack Debidden and Kato which was trained by Cyril 'Greypatch' Arneaud and we're looking forward to winning my first the Gold Cup on Boxing Day."