Apprentice Andrew Poon was the star of the Arima Race Club (ARC) Day 9 programme at the Santa Rosa Park in Arima. Poon won three of the six races on the day’s card and also took the feature event with the John O’Brien trained 5-1 shot Stroke of Luck which won the 2021 Derby.
The Raroma Owned 2021 Derby winner Stroke of Luck returned to the winner’s enclosure in style on Saturday when stopping the Horse of The Year 2021 Affirmative in yesterday’s feature Modified Benchmark Handicap over 1750 metres on the sloppy main track at Santa Rosa Park, Arima.
Punters made the Shivam Maharj owned/Ramesh Ramroop trained horse - Affirmative the horse they would all have to beat. However, the O’Brien trained 2020 ‘Triple Crown’ winner Wise Guy was sent off as the 4-5 favourite with Affirmative at 2-1 in the betting. O’Brien’s Stroke of Luck was sent off at odds of 5-1 with apprentice Andrew Poon in the saddle.
When the starter sent the six-horse-field on its way apprentice Tristan Phillips came from the outside post to take the lead in the event. He was pressed by Leonardo Angel with Wise Guy and Memories following along with Desert Dancer and Stroke of Luck close behind.
Going down the back-straight Affirmative led by a measured length from Leonardo Angel, with Desert dancer advancing to third and joining Memories as Stroke of Luck stayed close along with stablemate Wise Guy.
Going to the far turn Affirmative was still travelling well and holding sway as Leonardo Angel and Stroke of Luck closed. Wise Guy was asked to take closer order as Memories came under a drive with Desert Dancer about to hoist the white flag.
As the horses swung for home Affirmative was joined by Stroke of Luck and pair settled down to battle it out to the line. They pulled clear of Leonardo Angel as memories began to run on.
Inside the final 200 metres, Stroke of Luck gradually took control and mastered the champion in the final 50 metres to win by 3/4 length. Affirmative was second with Memories running to deprive Leonardo Angel of third position . Wise Guy finished a disappointing fifth.
Stroke of Luck registered the time of 1:51.01 for the trip.
Training honours for the day went to Shaffique Khan who saddled two winners in Smoking Heels and Here Comes Heidi.
Andrew Poon was successful with Prince Connors, Stroke of Luck and Atta Girl Silvy.
Racing continues on Indian Arrival Day- Monday - May 30th when the first jewel of local racing ‘Triple Crown’ The Guineas, will be contested. O’Brien’s Crown Prince will be a very short-priced favourite to oblige.