'Bruce' lets loose on rivals

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Moving like a jet from the half-mile, BRUCEONTHELOOSE powered home by 7-1/4 lengths in the open allowance race over the circular nine course at Caymanas Park yesterday, to send his stocks soaring for the June 13 Jamaica Derby.

Toting top weight of 57.0kg with leading all-time jockey Winston Griffiths again in the saddle, the three-year-old grey colt from the stables of 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny has now established himself as the ante-post favourite for the premier classic, where he will come face to face with the classy filly SAINT CECELIA, winner of the 1000 Guineas and Bigga Oaks last month.

Settled just off the early pace in third as HOMBRE under title-chasing jockey Paul Francis led from the Feanny-trained BLUE MAGIC, BRUCEONTHELOOSE, the 1-2 favourite, started his winning run from the 1000-metre pole.

in a flash

He shot past HOMBRE in a flash leaving the half-mile and after turning for home two lengths clear of BLUE MAGIC, only had to be pushed out in the closing stages to win in the smart time of 1:55.1.

'BRUCE' is unbeaten in four starts this season, having won the Ash Wednesday Trophy, the Prince Consort Stakes and the 2000 Guineas. Owned by Tres Amigos and bred by HAM Stables Limited, the grey colt by Wheelaway out of Road To Justice has now won six races from eight career starts.

Later in the afternoon, the 3-2 favourite DANCING SAM, ridden by champion jockey Omar Walker, was disqualified and placed second after passing the post first in the Labour Day Trophy (high claiming) feature over 1200 metres.

End result

This was the end result of a Stewards' inquiry, as well as jockeys' objection by Paul 'Country' Francis, who rode second past the post YAMASHITA'S GOLD (5-1).

With YAMASHITA'S GOLD making most in the 11-horse field, he was strongly challenged by the ever-present DANCING SAM approaching the distance. In the ensuing stretch duel, DANCING SAM on the inside drifted out into the path of YAMASHITA'S GOLD, causing repeated interference to the bay gelding, who went under by half a length.

Walker's woes didn't stop there, as he finally relinquished his lead in the jockeys' standings to arch-rival Dane Nelson, who rode two winners in favourites QUERIDA and PLEASANT PRINCES in the first and last races, respectively, to move to 49 wins - one ahead of Walker who notched a win in 4-5 favourite BALLROOM DANCER.

Nelson goes on a one-day suspension this Saturday.