Triple Account upsets at 29-1

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

In a stunning upset, the 29-1 outsider TRIPLE ACCOUNT went wire-to-wire in the 3-y-o and up overnight allowance feature for the G.A. 'Sarge' Bucknor Memorial Cup over the straight-five course, at Caymans Park yesterday.

Ridden by Rayan Wilson for owner-trainer Raymond Townsend, the veteran campaigner held on well in the closing stages to win by 1 1/4 lengths from 5-2 chance REGGAE ROCK (Dick Cardenas), who was occupying the runner-up slot in his third straight race, while the 9-5 marginal favourite NEW KINGSTON, the mount of champion jockey Omar Walker, finished third, another 1 1/2 lengths away. Eight ran.

WORKING IMAGE, highly fancied at 9-5 as well, ran below expectations to finish fifth under in-form Dane Nelson.

Unbeatable

TRIPLE ACCOUNT, who has shown a liking for the straight course despite not remaining the soundest of horses, was presented in unbeatable shape by Townsend. After leading in mid-track passing the quarter pole two lengths clear of the chasing pack, TRIPLE ACCOUNT held on well in the last 100 metres from the consistent REGGAE ROCK.

Townsend explained that TRIPLE ACCOUNT had a problem in his right foreleg and it took some time to prepare the American-bred eight-year-old horse by Top Account out of Triple Top.

"He was affected by an illness after racing over the course on August 6, and it required treatment. He came back to finish a close seventh to Antioch over 5 1/2 furlongs (beaten three lengths) on October 9, and I knew then he would be ready for this race.

"He enjoys running over the straight and although this was a tough field, I anticipated a big run from him. He won decisively in the end and I'm happy", said Townsend, who added that TRIPLE ACCOUNT has been invited to run in the valuable Imported Mile on 'Superday', November 13, but he is yet to make a decision.

Townsend, however, disclosed that he will run the recently acquired RUM TALK in the Superstakes, as the 2007 Guineas and St Leger winner is responding well to training since he was claimed from Philip Feanny for $550,000 on October 9.

On a day when the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Pamela Bridgewater Awkard, accompanied by her husband, were guests of the promoters in the director's room at Caymanas Park, the nine-race programme produced four winning favourites.

Among them was SHE'S SMOKIN at 1-1 in the closing Alex's Imports 'Dig Out' Handicap for three-year-olds over 1300 metres.

Ridden by former champion Trevor Simpson for 14-time champion Feanny, the progressive three-year-old filly was involved in a dead heat for first with old rival HERROYALHIGHNESS (4-1) after both were locked in a stirring last furlong duel.

Feanny had a second winner in the two-year-old filly CARIDAD (1-4 favourite), who made an auspicious debut in the fourth race over 1100 metres with apprentice Ansley Dancel aboard.