Classy Mojito humbles rivals in Kingston feature

MOJITO, named after the popular rum, lime, mint, cane juice, and soda water cocktail, which originated in Cuba, was neither cooling nor soothing on rivals in yesterday’s humid conditions at Caymanas Park, dismissing HUNTSMAN by 15 lengths in the Kingston 2000 Guineas prep race at seven and a half furlongs.

Sent off at odds of 3-5 under champion jockey Dane Dawkins, the Savoy Stomp-Fiftyshadesofray grey colt impatiently swatted ABILITY off the lead approaching the three-furlong point before cruising into the lane while HUNTSMAN flattered his backers with what appeared to be a threatening bid coming off the home turn.

However, HUNTSMAN, an impressive fourteen and three-quarter length winner against maidens on debut three weeks ago, soon learnt what 1:11.0 fractions felt like when MOJITO reeled off 1:11.3, a fifth slower than the 1:11.2 of his two previous victories, streaking away under a hand ride to clock 1:33.0 for a fourth straight win with Jamaica Derby-champion written all over his coat.

HUNTSMAN, who had his fair share of backers at odds of 3-1, proved he was better than the rest despite his being out for only the second time, finishing five and three-quarter lengths ahead of 48-1 outsider SENSATIONAL MOVE.

ABILITY, seeking to emulate stablemate BLUE VINYL, who emerged from obscurity to land last season’s Kingston and Jamaica St Leger, bit off far more than he could chew in trying to steal a march from five furlongs out, an ambitious strategy that caused him to lose third spot, finishing a length and three-quarter behind SENSATIONAL MOVE in fourth.

MOJITO’s smashing victory has set him on a path to being a Triple Crown favourite for trainer Richard Azan, who completed the feat in 2010 with Mark My Word, owned by Elite Bloodstock, a syndicate that included Alexander Haber, who part-owns MOJITO with Azan.

Despite technical difficulties causing the abandonment of the first event, Reggae 6 bettors still got their fill by being rewarded with the ‘all-button’ as compensation. However, dreams of sweeping the jackpot were dashed for most by the fourth event won by 50-1 outsider DANCING WITH A CAT, who outbattled howling-favourite PRISSIE at seven furlongs.

DANCING WITH A CAT’s stunning victory resulted in a $146,619 Reggae 6 payout whereas the Twilight 6, with 4-1 chance STOMP THE RHYTHM as the only spoiler, returned a measly but welcome $4,649 after MOJITO’s romp in the night pan.