The Lester Alexis trained three-year-old Arsalan continued his upward curve at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday when he came with a well-timed run on the inside to catch and beat Super Bird in the feature Grade Three - Chief Commander Classic over 1,600 metres event on the Turf Course at the centralized venue.
The Nigel Amin owned three-year-old by Da Vinci/Fallen Angel was sent off as the joint-favourite with John O’Brien trained Passionate with Super Bird third in the betting market at 2-1.
Punters clearly got it right again, as they backed Arsalan down from 9/2 into favouritism. Last time out in the Royal Colours Classic, there was a ‘plunge’ on Arsalan and he duly won, this was a repeat performance.
When the starter sent the six horses on their way, for the $25,000 purse event, Keishan Balgobin put the 2020 top juvenile Super Bird straight into the lead and he held sway from Just Exhale with Passionate Close up in third and Arsalan hugging the rail in fourth. These were followed by Zanza and Liltoribelle who was contented to observe from the rear.
Going down the back-straight Super Bird continued pushing along in front as Arsalan took closer at the order with Passionate in touch in third, and Just Exhale keeping tabs on the leaders as Zanza was pushed along to take closer order with Liltoribelle dropping back further.
At the far turn, Balgobin asked Super Bird to quicken up a bit and he began to lengthen and opened up a two-length lead on Arsalan.
When the horses swung for home in the feature Super Bird held a healthy three-length advantage and looked set for top honours. However, after 100 metres in the straight Hernandez switched Arsalan to the inside and that did the trick, as the colt began to close on the inside of Super Bird and with 100 metres left and he picked up the running and began to move away from Super Bird to win by ¾ lengths at the line. Passionate ran on at one pace to be third with maiden Just Exhale in the fourth spot.
Arsalan recorded the time of 1:40.00 for the trip and now will be aimed at the ‘Triple Crown’ where based on his two winning performances, he will start as the likely favourite.
John O’Brien had something to smile about in the final event when three-year-old Soca Symphony won in impressive fashion, making it two wins from two starts and could well turn into a classic prospect.
Riding honours for the day were shared between Kerron Khelawan and Keishan Balgobin. Khelawan was aboard two horses for champion owner Dave Chadee for trainer Harold Chadee, while Balgobin entered the winner’s circle with Pure Pleasure in the opener and Khaleesi in the fourth event.
Training honours on Day Six of the ARC racing season went to Harold Chadee who saddled two winners.