UPSET WINNER: Long-time leader GRAND BAZAAR (2nd right), running at odds of 19-1 with Rod DaCosata aboard, staves off the fast-finishing favourite ECONOMIC REALITY (Ramon Parish) to win the eighth race over 1200 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday. The 4-y-o chestnut gelding is owned by Trevor Gocul and trained by George Moo-Young. - Dennis CokeBy Orville Clarke,
Freelance Writer
LEADING jockey Wesley "Callaloo" Henry was on fire at Caymanas Park yesterday, reeling off a fabulous four-timer on the 10-race programme to widen his lead over closest rival Ramon Parish in the jockeys' standings.
His winners were PURPLE HEART at 9-5 in the third race over the straight five course, RAINBOW CHASER at 5-2 in the fifth race for maiden three-year-olds, DIAMONDSANDDAGGERS at evens in the 2000-metre feature for the Altamont V. Armond Memorial Cup and SIR MOHANDAS BABA, an evens favourite in the ninth race over the circular nine course.
Henry just missed a fifth winner in the closing round five race where his mount, long-time leader SKIPPER WAY (8-1) was caught close to home by 8-5 favourite HEY MAN.
As a result of yesterday's four-timer, the 1997 champion jockey pushed his season's tally to 29 -- nine clear of apprentice Ramon Parish who rode two winners in LOVER'S CHOICE (4-5) and the speedy SIR ALEX at 9-2 in race six for maiden four-year-olds and up.
Henry, who had previously ridden four winners on Ash Wednesday (February 28), was even more elated by this windfall. He explains:
"I was in New York on personal business for the past three days and only returned home this morning (yesterday). During my absence it was my agent who secured rides for me and he did a good job.
"I knew I was going to do well. The vibes were right after I saw my favourite jockey, Pat Day win a race aboard a number five horse at Gulfstream on Monday. That really inspired me to ride a bagful of winners on my return.
"My only regret was that SKIPPER AWAY failed to give me a five-timer. Still, this was my second four-timer in two weeks and I am happy with my form. I say to my fans... follow me for the rest of the season".
The Ken Mattis-trained DIAMONDSANDDAGGERS provided Henry with an arm-chair ride in winning the Alty Armond Memorial Cup feature by all of 7 1/4 lengths from 5-1 chance TOP FRENCH and BAY SAVAGE (8-1) in the field of six.
The betting made ELRAY a marginal favourite at 1-1, but the six-year-old gelding weakened badly in the straight after racing several lengths off the pace in third for most of the way. DIAMONDSANDDAGGERS, who chased tearaway leader BAY SAVAGE from soon after the start, mounted her challenge from the final bend and moved away early in the straight for her fourth career win, all coming in two turn races.
Later in the afternoon, SIR MOHANDAS BABA (outpaced) was brought with a powerful stretch run by Henry to win the circular nine overnight allowance by 2 1/2 lengths from 11-1 chance CIELO MYSTIQUE and ZEEEDON who pressed long-time leader BRINGDOMONEYCOME into submission approaching the final bend. The winner is owned by Bombay Stud Farms and trained by Harry Jaghai.
