Guyana’s premier thoroughbred, Score’s Even was the odds on favourite to win Sunday’s feature A1 and Lower eight furlongs event at the Alness Turf Club.
California Strike did not get the memo.
The chestnut brown gelding with jockey Colin Ross in the stirrups sent turfites at the club’s track into a frenzy as he galloped to an upset victory over some of Guyana’s premier trotters including the 1000-lb grey gelding Score’s Even who played second fiddle.
Fans were buzzing with excitement in anticipation of a victory for the favourite, but the Shariff Racing Stable steed trampled the pre-race hype and expectations to win by about two lengths and pocket the $1M first prize.
Score’s Even’s owner Dennis Deoroop would not be too disappointed since he pocketed the $500,000 second place winnings. Half that amount went to Church House’s owners.
Bridlestone Corner placed fourth in the seven-horse field.
Here is how the race unfolded: Score’s Even’s stable mate, Church House set a blistering pace straight out the gate and established himself as the early pacesetter. Score’s Even then changed gears to close the gap on Church House pulling along California Strike in his gallop.
The horses were jostling for the lead as Ross whipped California Strike and gave him full rein. With the vocal crowd on its feet, California Strike went clear and increased its lead with every powerful stride and drew off in the homestretch to seal the win which was worth an appetizing $1M. It was the second win for California Strike who was imported from Florida over its Kentucky, USA bred rival.
Notes: Yesterday’s Champion jockey was Ross with two wins. Shariff took the top stable honours.
The top three horses were all imported by Deoroop.
The ‘Sport of Kings’ continues on October 12 at the Kennard Memorial Turf Club with the staging of the PPP’s President’s Cup. (Emmerson Campbell)
Meet Summary
Race 1-K and Lower
Speed Vision ($90,000)
Iron Man
Fit to Fight
Go Zapper
Race 2-G3 and Lower
Shooting Star ($275,000)
Bridlestone Corner
Marathon Man
Race 3-L and Lower
Porridge ($20,000)
Fit to Fight
Diamond in the Sky
Race 4-J1 and Lower
Road is Mine ($175,000)
Slim Shady
Famous Pride
Race 5- A and Lower
California Strike ($1M)
Score’s Even
Church House
Bridlestone Corner
Race 6-I and Lower
Party Time ($200,000)
Affinity
Lady Secret
