SPECIAL CAT is driven hard by Jason Simpson to win the eighth race over the circular nine course from the fast-finishing GALLAVANTER (left, Javour Simpson), then had to survive an objection from the rider of GALLAVANTER. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

BRUCEONTHELOOSE, one of four winners for 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny, sent his stocks soaring for the upcoming classics with an impressive victory in the Ash Wednesday Trophy overnight allowance feature over 1300 metres, at Caymanas Park yesterday.

Ridden by title-chasing jockey Paul 'Country' Francis for owners Tres Amigos, BRUCEONTHELOOSE was installed a howling 1-2 favourite on his seasonal debut and strolled home by 2-³/⁴ lengths from the late-closing HAIL THE GENIUS (6-1) in a field of eight.

Well away from the number two post position, BRUCEONTHELOOSE chased long-time leader NATURALLY ROYAL (9-2) before mounting his challenge on the outside leaving the 600-metre marker.

Career starts

He turned for home just ahead of NATURALLY ROYAL and quickly moved into overdrive to leave the issue beyond doubt, posting his third win from five career starts in the process.

A three-year-old grey colt by Wheelaway out of Road To Justice, BRUCEONTHELOOSE, who was bred by the HAM Stables Limited, covered the distance in the smart time of 1:18.1, behind splits of 23.2. and 46.4.

Feanny, who was enjoying his best day in many moons, also saddled 1-2 favourite MAN A YARD in the colours of Tres Amigos to win the second race for maiden three-year-olds under leading all-time jockey Winston Griffiths, 4-5 favourite TWENTYFIRSTOFJUNE in the fifth over the straight five course and RUNNIN ON EMPTY, a 3-2 favourite, who made all convincingly under Trevor Simpson in the sixth race for maiden three-year-olds.

Upcoming classics

Feanny was particularly pleased with the performance of BRUCEONTHELOOSE, who is a already a leading contender for the April 4 2000 Guineas over 1600 metres.

"Judging from the manner in which he carried himself at exercise, I was very confident," said the Hall of Fame trainer.

"If he was going to be a classic horse, then he should be able to beat these," he was quick to add.

What is more, Feanny could end up with not one, but two contenders in the upcoming classics, as the lightly raced MAN A YARD won the round five maiden special in decisive fashion, covering the distance in the smart time of 59.2 after tracking long-time leader THE CHIEF, going by leaving the furlong pole.

Also bred by HAM Stables, MAN A YARD is a dark bay gelding by Western Classic out of Code Star.

Hall of Fame jockey 'Fanna' Griffiths came back to complete a double aboard TWENTYFORSTOFJUNE in the fifth race, the chestnut filly disposing of long-time leader and favourite RISK REWARDS (3-4) in the last furlong to win by 3-_¹/⁴ lengths.

Also riding two winners were in-form Dane Nelson and Devon 'Papa' Thomas.

With the fancied horses holding their own for the most part on the holiday programme, the lone upset came via the front-running WAR LEGEND (Thomas up) at 12-1 in the seventh race.