Classy Morimoto wins Hussey feature

MORIMOTO and SNOWFLAKES took advantage of higher ground at five furlongs straight to complete the track-bias exacta in yesterday’s Charles Hussey Trophy.

While their rivals toiled mid-track in heavy underfoot conditions, caused by steady rainfall throughout the 10-race card, MORIMOTO and SNOWFLAKES ran slop-free with the track drainage-elevation to their advantage from posts 11 and 12, respectively.

Classic-placed MORIMOTO stamped his class on SNOWFLAKES inside the last furlongs, pulling off to win by a length and a quarter in 59.0 with Raddesh Roman for Anthony Nunes.

Tevin Foster rode a two-timer, CURLIN’S AFFAIR and XY SOUL, reducing Reyan Lewis’ advantage to 14 atop the jockeys’ standings in what appears a futile attempt to overhaul the all-but-crowned leader with three meets to close the season.

Philip Parchment booted home a double, JUSTIN BIDEN and two-year-old INTERESTINTIMESAHEAD, sharing the spotlight with Foster and Christopher Mamdeen, who won aboard SHASHAMANINDANCE and SIMPLY SENSATIONAL.

Meanwhile, RHYTHM BUZZ showed surprising early speed in the night pan to chase ESSENTIAL QUALITY off the lead at a mile, beating non-winners of four races in a zippy 1:37.4 on what, by then, was a fast wet track.

Racing continues next Saturday before the big Boxing Day holiday meet, featuring the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes next Tuesday.