Aspasia upsets in Grooms' feature

Orville Clarke, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Racing for the first time locally, the American-bred five-year-old mare ASPASIA scored a stunning upset (34-1) in the Grooms Association of Jamaica Trophy (claiming $350,000-$300,000) at Caymanas Park yesterday.

Ridden by back-to-form Panama-nian jockey Ameth Robles for trainer Dalton Sirjie and owner Roger Newman, ASPASIA came through on the stands' side early in the last furlong to win by half-a-length in a driving finish from the noted course specialist MARK TO MARKET at 9-2.

Finishing third, another two lengths away, was the 4-5 favourite MR SKILL, who led at a fast clip under leading jockey Shane Ellis until giving way to the winner, while highly fancied RUSSIAN COMMANDER (5-2) was fourth in a field of nine.

All the rage in the betting despite racing for the first time since New Year's Day, MR SKILL showed superior speed as usual, despite stumbling at the start.

Crucial stage

The fleet-footed six-year-old gelding, who was down four classes to vie for this trophy, began to labour in front coming on to the main track and ASPASIA, who was never far off the pace, ran through at a crucial stage to win from the fast-finishing MARK TO MARKET.

A five-year-old bay mare by Songandaprayer out of Astrid, ASPASIA, who won four races abroad, was racing for the first time locally despite the fact that she was purchased by her owner in Florida (Calder) for an undisclosed sum a year ago. But Newman went on to explain that she proved difficult to train, hence her belated debut.

"To begin with she is very well bred and was imported mainly for breeding purposes, but we thought we could get a race or two out of her. However, this had to be delayed as it was one problem after another and we had to fight with her.

"As a result, she did most of her training at sea and we decided to throw her in for a tag today ... I am happy for the win and also the fact that she was not claimed," said Newman, a former steward.

ASPASIA was one of five upset wins on the Grooms' Association Day 10-race programme which saw the groom of each winning horse getting a bicycle from sponsors such as Seek, Allied Protection, McKay Security, Main Event, trainer Anthony Nunes and Xpress Litho.

Other upsets came via MISSISSAUGA at 34-1 in the fourth race, LADY GORAKHPUR at 22-1 in the eighth, UNDAUNTED at 17-1 in the fifth and LAID TO REST at 11-1 in the second.