Henry scores

MIAMI, Florida (CMC):

Jamaican jockey Wesley Henry delivered a confident front-running ride with the filly Oilgonewile, to score an upset win in the Live Oak GTOBA Debutante Stakes at Calder on Saturday afternoon.

Oilgonewile, a 13-to-1 bet in the 12-horse field, won the US$75,000 mile and 16th event on turf by 4-3/4 lengths in one minute 42.83 seconds.

The favourite Tailbytherail (2-1), ridden by Elvis Trujillo, finished second and the 4-1 bet Hot Chili Pepper, placed third.

Trained by Joe Calascibetta, Oilgonewile was pushed to lead by Henry early and won with authority.

Five-length advantage

She led throughout the backstretch, Henry kicked her into a five-length advantage as they entered the homestretch, and she came home unchallenged.

After the race, Henry said the trainer's instructions were perfect and made the win very easy.

"Mr Calascibetta told me that if I could get her to relax soon enough, she would take me a long way up front," said Henry, a former Jamaica champion jockey.

"As soon as we reached the backstretch, I started to relax her and she began running very comfortably. At that point I was confident she would finish strong," he added.

Pressure

Anticipating some challenges coming off the final turn, Henry said he accelerated entering the homestretch and dismissed the field.

"I knew we would start getting some pressure from the others around the last turn, so I didn't wait too long to ask her to open up. When I did, she responded even better than I expected," he told reporters.

Jamaicans copped two other wins on the card through jockey Jermaine Bridgmohan and veteran trainer Ralph Ziadie.

Bridgmohan was a 3-1/2 length winner of the US$13,280 12th race over six furlongs with the 4-5 favourite A Question of Time.