Saeed goes post-to-post

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The front-running SAEED held on grimly by a short head from fast-finishing MISTER INFORMATION to win the annual renewal of the Knutsford Park Cup over 1200 metres, feature event at Caymanas Park yesterday.

Installed a 2-1 second favourite with competent apprentice Richard Mairs aboard, the three-year-old chestnut gelding from the stables of Gary Subratie broke winging from the number five post position and proceeded to make all.

He had to be hard driven in the closing stages, however, to last home by a short head from MISTER INFORMATION (3-1) on the inside, in a field of 10 three-year-olds. The even-money favourite, SI PUEDO (prominent), disappointed in finishing two lengths fifth.

By Region Of Merit out of the Restless Thief mare Princess Talia, SAEED is owned by the S.A.S. Syndicate. This was, in fact, his second career win, having opened his account over 1600 metres in December last year.

According to Subratie, since then SAEED has run some good races in defeat, behind horses such as MARGIN CALL, PRINCE THEO, MOMENT OF HOPE and THE KING AND I.

"However, he has been asked to carry his fair share of weight against some good horses and on top of that, had one or two little issues.

Second-generation trainer

"He worked well in preparation for this race and I was convinced that he was ready to win today, as this was the lightest he has been for some time," explained the second-generation trainer, who disclosed that he will run his stable star, RONRON, on Saturday, September 25, in the L.R. 'Bob' Mayall Memorial Cup (grade on) feature over 1600 metres.

Meanwhile, DAYTON'S JUSTICE ran on strongly in the closing stages to win the day's secondary feature for the Donald Tankoy Memorial Cup, over 1300 metres for maiden three-year-olds.

Offering odds of 7-1 with in-form Dane Nelson aboard, DAYTON'S JUSTICE was held off the early pace as odds-on favourite INDY QUEEN led at a fast pace to the last furlong. But she soon found top gear to win from the fast-finishing BEIJING BIRDNEST in a field of 14. The winner is owned and trained by Harry Parsard.

On a day when top apprentice Doushane Gordon rode two winners, trainer Patrick Chang, who is best known for saddling the 2001 Derby, Guineas and Oaks winner, AWESOME POWER, notched his 100th career win when JUNGLE QUEEN won the opening race at odds of 7-2.

Leading all-time jockey Winston 'Fanna' Griffiths moved closer to his 1,600th career win, after booting home hot favourite RAISE A RUCKUS, his 1,597th winner.