Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The progressive American 3-y-o filly HONEYOFALADY went wire to wire to win the seventh running of the $1 million Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission Trophy open allowance feature over 1400 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday.

Ridden by in-form Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas for trainer Dwight Chen, HONEYOFALADY, the 8-5 favourite under the postage stamp impost of 48.9kg, held on grimly in the closing stages to thwart a late run from another American three-year-old filly QUICK AND GRAY (9-2), who failed by half a length to record her fourth consecutive win under customary rider Paul 'Country' Francis.

Third went to 7-1 chance THE GUARDIAN under champion jockey Omar Walker, while WAP (6-1), an American four-year-old filly, was fourth.

TOBAGO, who was vying for favouritism with HONEYOFALADY minutes to post time, was declared a very late non-starter as his rider (Clive Lynch) fell ill at the start.

HONEYOFALADY was smartly away from the number five post position and led by a length from the rank outsider YOSHI, closely followed by top weight SHANGHAI PASS (7-2) with QUICK AND GRAY outpaced a bit in the early stages.

HONEYOFALADY turned for home with SHANGHAI PASS and LITTLE WASP (5-1) on her heels, but she soon put paid to their chances by quickening approaching the distance. And it was left to QUICK AND GRAY to carry the fight in deep stretch.

Owned by Combo, HONEY-OFALADY was notching her fifth win from seven career starts and provided trainer Dwight Chen with his second consecutive winner of this valuable grade two race, following MUSICAL MAESTRO last year.

Cardenas, who had a second winner on the card in 20-1 outsider ACTION BULLET for trainer Gary Subratie in the preceding race over 1100 metres, indicated in the limited English he speaks that the plan was to go all the way with HONEYOFALADY.

Really fast

"She light, very fit and trainer tell me to rate her from in front. The grey horse finished fast, but I had a bit left in reserve to hold him at bay close home," he explained. Meanwhile, in other trophy races on the holiday card, the Wayne DaCosta-trained HEART OF GOLD (Walker up) easily justified favouritism to win the Charles Randle Trophy over 1820 metres, while 2-1 chance NATURAL ATLANTA came through a furlong out under Shane Ellis to win the Albert Rose Memorial Trophy over 1100 metres. Incidentally, Ellis has appealed his 10-day suspension and this will be heard by the full Commission on Wednesday. The Emancipation Day Trophy was won in post-to-post fashion by the 7-5 favourite MINISTER-OFFINANCE with Lynch aboard. The trophy was presented to trainer Ryan Darby by Arthur Williams, minster of state in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, who, as of yesterday assumed portfolio responsibility for the racing industry from outgoing minister, Don Wehby.

The annual BG&LC Gimmick race over 200 metres was won by Quinton Kepple and his partner Jodyann Briscoe. The pair made all at odds of 5-1.