Ronron romps Hall of Fame Stakes

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The impressive American filly, RONRON, raced to her fourth consecutive win at Caymanas Park yesterday, capturing the 15th running of the Hall of Fame Stakes Trophy open allowance feature over 1200 metres, in a new stakes record time of 1:11.1.

Ridden as usual by topline jockey, Paul 'Country' Francis, for owner Kenval Wallace and trainer Gary Subratie, RONRON made all to win by 3 1/2 lengths from his lesser fancied stable companion, the American horse SHANGHAI PASS (7-2), in a field of seven.

She turned for home with SHANGHAI PASS in hot pursuit, but quickly put paid to his chances by finding top gear early in the straight, going on to record her fifth win from seven career starts.

Two defeats

Her two defeats both came against the unbeaten American filly, DOUBLETHEHONEY, behind fast times over 1100 metres and 1200 metres, respectively. But given her impressive runs in recent months, trainer Subratie, who saddled two winners on the card, is looking forward to a rematch with the Wayne DaCosta-trained DOUBLETHEHONEY.

"That would be a race going miles to see," declared the second generation trainer.

"Right now, Doublethehoney might just have the upper hand over sharp sprints, but going anything over six furlongs, I would have to fancy my chances.

"This is the best horse I have ever trained and I'm expecting great things from her in the months ahead.

"Looking back at the race, I was hoping to complete the exacta with SHANGHAI PASS and he did not let me down," said the trainer, who had earlier posted 5-1 chance ROJO (Ameth Robles up) to win the fourth race over 1100 metres in a driving finish.

RIP CURRENT wins

Earlier on the annual 'Hall of Fame' 11-race programme, which also included a Walkstackle (won by Marlon Gayle) in aid of charity (Children First), the vastly improved RIP CURRENT (7-2) came through early in the straight to win the Reynold 'Ren' Gonzalves Memorial Cup (overrnight allowance) race over 2000 metres, ahead of the 60-1 outsider IVAN THE TERRIBLE.

Trained by Spencer Chung, RIP CURRENT was the second of two back-to-back winners on the card for Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas, the other being PAT ON CALL at 13-1 (made all) in the seventh race over 1100 metres.

Apprentice Jevvanne Erwin rode back-to-back winners as well - REGGAE ROCK at 5-1 in the first race and SPONGY SPONGY at similar odds in the second. The upsets were provided by BURNING TIME at 22-1 in the ninth, PAT ON CALL and HARDWAR PRINCE at 8-1.

Midweek racing break takes a break this week to pave the way for the 90th running of the Jamaica Derby over 2400 metres next Saturday, June 19.