Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
Clive Lynch guides Diamond Express to the winners' enclosure after his easy victory in the fifth race at Caymanas Park yesterday. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER
RUNNING ON strongly from off the pace leaving the furlong pole, ASTRO CRUNCH swept past long-time leader and evens favourite RIGMAROLE to win the inaugural running of the Howard Phillips Memorial Cup over 110 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday.
Ridden by Dane Nelson, ASTRO CRUNCH (7-2) won by 2-1/2 lengths from RIGMAROLE under four-time champion Charles Hussey, with a head farther back to the 99-1 outsider RAJPUT and 3-1 chance PRIOR PARK in a field of nine four-year-olds (non winners of three).
I AM NOT ORDINARY, who reared and injured herself in the starting gate, was declared a late non-starter.
It was HEZA RANKING who broke on top but quickly gave way to RIGMAROLE, who proceeded to lead comfortably from SAYONARA and ABOUNDING GRACE, with ASTRO CRUNCH outpaced in seventh passing the half-mile.
Although entering the straight a clear leader, RIGMAROLE slowed down in the last furlong and ASTRO CRUNCH, who turned for home six lengths fifth, stormed through midway the last furlong to win gong away.
A 4-y-o filly by Splinter Red out of Bootlaces, ASTRO CRUNCH is owned by M.I.Z. and bred by David Delisser. This was her first win since September of last year when she was then owned and trained by Richard Azan.
Nelson had a second winner on the card in the Garrett Arscott-trained DEARDREAMER (8-1), who held off the favourite MY PLEASURE by a neck in the third race (high claiming) over 1100 metres.
Also riding two winners was Hussey. He won the first race aboard 1-2 favourite PRINCESS SUE for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta, then followed up in the very next race aboard 3-2 chance ROCK STAR QUEEN for his brother Percy and mom Ruth.
Jockey Clive Lynch and trainer Desmond Shand also teamed up for a double, comprising odds-on favourites DIAMOND EXPRESS and PRINCE OF LAW, both runaway winners.
