By V. Lloyd Simpson, Contributor
POWER MACHINE, ridden by apprentice Phillip Parchment, wins the eighth race for the Dennis Howell plaque over the straight five course at Caymanas Park on Saturday, obliging as the 6-5 favourite in a field of 12. The 4-y-o gelding is trained by Patrick Fong. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
WITH 75 per cent of this year's racing calendar completed, Winston Griffiths OD stands out way ahead of his rivals as the most effective jockey in the country, by virtue of his strike rate of 41.1 per cent.
This is not surprising. His commitment to the objective of winning has never been disputed, nor his reputation in giving of his best to the racing public.
Charles Hussey follows in second spot with a strike rate of 30.76 per cent as at two Saturdays ago, and the current champion Trevor Simpson 30.40 per cent in third spot.
FIVE-TIME CHAMPION
Perhaps linkage of the five-time champion to the Wayne DaCosta stable has made all the difference. As far as that partnership is concerned, the outstanding Hall of Famer has been on a roll. But as far as engagement appeal becomes a factor to be assessed, he drops to the bottom of the pack by having achieved an engagement level of less than one mount per raceday - in fact 0.77 per cent.
At the moment, while Trevor Simpson has been enjoying an engagement level of over four mounts per raceday, Aneth Robles is holding down a level of 3.3, while Charles Hussey comes in at 1.3 mounts and Griffiths 0.77 as previously stated. The reasons for Griffiths and Hussey dropping so far down the list are clear.
The flow of claiming apprentices into the system has been phenomenal this year. They get the preferences over their seniors because of the valuable allowance factor. That apart, they are also holding their own so far as competition is concerned.
The outcome of the 6th race two Saturdays ago when Charles Hussey aboard the howling even-money favourite Emperador was put to the sword is evidence enough.
Emperador (1-1) ended up fifth 7-1/4 lengths adrift and Dancing Flames (9-1) ended up on top in the smart time of 1.58.1 for the 1820 metres distance, paying the handsome dividends of $105x25. The (5-1) shot Zeedon followed in second spot under P. Cluris, Gimson Magic held down third and Gilrock fourth completed the frame.
The pull in the weights had paid big dividends but Emperador's dismal performance was mainly due to the allowance factor.
Griffiths and Hussey never seem able to pin an adequate number of engagements on racedays. Hence, though probably the two best jockeys in the country today and despite the numerical dominance of Trevor Simpson who is way out in front due to the advantage of his light riding weight, the two senior jocks seem to be unable to ascend the throne in a hurry.
AN OBSTACLE
Their heavier weights seem to be an obstacle. But strangely enough and for no disclosed reason, words around the track is that Charles "Bogleman" is getting ready to take the 2004 championship.
He once told me that because "the lightweights, the good claimers get the preference usually, engagements don't come readily. I have to make-do by sharing what is left with the few heavyweight jocks of competence".
Congratulations to seniors Griffiths and Hussey for their effectiveness, to Shane Ellis for having re-entered combat with the resolve and expertise which he shows on racedays and to Kenyatta Davis for being the new Bin Laden to reckon with. His recent triple speaks volumes.
