Trevor 'Slicer' Simpson returns to the winners' enclosure aboard the grey filly WHITE DIAMOND after winning the sixth race over 1300 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday. It was one of three victories for the five-time champion jockey. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

FIVE-TIME champion jockey Trevor 'Slicer' Simpson enjoyed his best day in the saddle for some, thanks to three winners at Caymanas Park yesterday.

These were the 1-2 favourite ASTRO CRUNCH for Oaks winning trainer Dwight Chen in the opening race over 1200 metres; JACK BE GOOD at 7-2 for trainer Wilfred Chin in the fourth race for overnight allowance horses; and WHITE DIAMOND at 5-1 for many-time champion trainer Philip Feanny in the sixth race over 1300 metres.

As a result, Simpson, who had been languishing in 10th place in the standings, moved up to joint sixth. He joins namesake apprentice Jason Simpson (who rode one winner) and former champion Wesley 'Callaloo' Henry, who last Tuesday was referred to the Jamaica Racing Commission by the stewards for his indifferent riding of the 3-5 favourite JAZZY JET on April 9 and has been automatically grounded for 21 calendar days during which time the commissioners will convene another hearing to take appropriate action if necessary.

Still some way behind

With the first four months of the season completed, Simpson (14 wins) is still some way behind the leading rider, 3kg claiming apprentice Javour Simpson on 26 winners.

However, a spokesman for 'Slicer' Simpson said the jockey was not perturbed, as he believed there was sufficient time left for him to get his act together and win a sixth championship.

"Originally, his focus was to take things easy for the first couple of months with a view to returning to ride overseas on the North American circuit later this year," said the source.

"However, he has been having second thoughts with the emergence of RUM TALK, his winning ride in the 2000 Guineas, having the potential to become a leading money-spinner for him in the months ahead," he said.

The Feanny-trained RUM TALK is already an early favourite for the June 2 Digicel Derby.

Meanwhile, LIGHT MY FIRE at 2-1 and the 8-5 favourite ABOUNDING RACE won the co-features on the 10-race programme in decisive fashion.

In the Portmore Community Trophy (non-winners of two) over 1100 metres, LIGHT MY FIRE with veteran lightweight Robert Reid riding for New Blue Limited and trainer Collin Blair, disputed the lead with several horses leaving the half mile to turn for home heads in with the 7-5 favourite MITAKA, before finding extra approaching the distance to win by 2 3/4 lengths from highly fancied BLUE MARLIN in a field of nine.

The Neive Graham-trained ABOUNDING GRACE made all under title-chasing jockey Paul 'Country' Francis to win the closing 1200-metre race for the Roderick 'Pilot' Francis Memorial Trophy (claiming $170,000) by four lengths from ISLAND CIGAR and TYRONE SON in a field of 15.

The open allowance straight five race was won in fine style by the Dwight Chen-trained MUSICAL MAESTRO (9-5), who holds the track record (56.1) for the distance. Disposing of long-time leader DOUBLE BOW approaching the distance, MUSICAL MAESTRO was ridden by in-form apprentice Omar Walker who had two winners on the afternoon.