Ellis bags midweek three-timer

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Leading jockey Shane Ellis replied to arch-rival Dick Cardenas' four-timer on Saturday with three winners of his own at Caymanas Park yesterday, giving himself some breathing space in the process.

The second-generation jockey, who was champion in the year 2000, booted home ELOPING EMMA (5-1) for trainer Dennis Pryce in a three-way photo finish in the fourth race over 1300 metres, followed up in the next race aboard 1-4 favourite LIFEISJUSFORLIVING (made all) for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta in the fifth, and 2-1 second favourite SARAH BARRACUDA (closing rapidly) for trainer Gary Subratie in the eighth race over 1300 metres.

Ellis, son of former '60s champion Winston Ellis, was in line to complete a four-timer aboard evens favourite SHAMAN in the closing Alex's Imports Limited 'Dig Out' Handicap over 1300 metres, but the bay colt ran way below expectations (outpaced) to finish a poor fifth, as old rival BRIDE TO BE (7-1) stormed through in the last 100 metres for a decisive win with champion jockey Omar Walker aboard.

ahead

Cardenas, meanwhile, managed only one win aboard even-money favourite SIR D for 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny in the third race for native and imported three-year-olds and up over 1300 metres.

Ellis, as a result, pushed his season's tally to 44 - three ahead of the Panamanian Cardenas and nine clear of Walker, in third on 35.

BUNKER DUST, running at odds of 4-1 with Robert Halledeen riding for owner/trainer Lawrence Freemantle, outfinished 1-2 favourite PEDRO BLUFF midway the last furlong to win the Drumbeat Trophy straight five feature (Claiming $180,000) over the straight five course, winning by 2¹/² lengths with Halledeen standing tall in the saddle.

Meanwhile, the lightly raced unbeaten 3-y-o colt, COMMANDING CHIEF, passed his St Leger prep with flying colours, turning the second race over 1600 metres into a procession. Ridden by Paul 'Country' Francis, the son of War Marshall disposed of long-time leader MOHEGAN SON leaving the 600-metre pole and streaked home by 11¹/² lengths in the smart time of 1:39.3.

COMMANDING CHIEF, who has now won twice from as many starts, is owned by Doks Stable and trained by Everal Francis.