'Life' sounds warning

Ainsley Walters, Gleaner Writer

CHAMPION trainer Wayne DaCosta's Derby hopeful LIFEISJUSFORLIVING yesterday outclassed stablemate CLASSY PROSPECT at 1200 metres, clocking a lightning-fast 1:11.1 for the distance with Omar Walker astride.

Fitted with a figure-eight bridle for the first time, LIFEISJUSFORLIVING made every post a winning one to coast home by eight and a quarter lengths.

The chestnut gelding was out for the first time since MARK MY WORD snapped his win streak in the 2000 Guineas at a mile on April 5, exposing his stamina limitations.

Prior to his loss in the 2000 Guineas, LIFEISJUSFORLIVING was unbeaten in three starts, winning impressively up to seven furlongs on March 13.

DaCosta was back in the winners' enclosure for the 1300-metre 10th event won by his three-year-old American-bred filly FLUFFY, partnered by lightweight rider Wesley Henry.

3-5 favourite

FLUFFY, the 3-5 favourite, broke sharply to dispute the lead with SUGAR'S IMAGE before being tackled by FOREVER MINE.

Carrying only 49.0 kilos, FLUFFY stuck to FOREVER MINE, who toted 55.0 kilos, and renewed her challenge in the stretch run where she pulled off inside the last furlong to win by a length and a half in 1:19.0.

The day was not without drama as the Pick-9 remained elusive, thanks to a 94-1 upset by DANIELLE MY GIRL in the fifth event.

The seven-year-old mare made every post a winning one in the W. 'Billy' Pick Memorial, giving apprentice Arthur Budhu his first win.

Tragedy struck in the ninth race at a mile when trainer Carl Anderson's ALIAS MR CAT snapped his right leg and went down close to a half-furlong from home while leading by nearly eight lengths with apprentice Aaron Chatrie.

The five-year-old was euthanised, the second horse Anderson has lost in similar circumstances after CAT FOR A KING broke down on April 28.