3 weeks ago
15
OF A REVOLUTION, winner of the Bruceontheloose Sprint when debuting locally on Mouttet Mile Day, was beaten yesterday by fellow American GIRVANO, victim of a baffling ride from returning champion jockey Raddesh Roman.
Sent off as the 2-5 favourite for the open-allowance Miracle Man Cup at seven furlongs, OF A REVOLUTION was held sixth down the backstretch while MAMMA MIA led in tame splits, 24.2 and 48.0, nothing compared to the half-mile 46.2 when chasing grade-one speedster DESERT OF MALIBU off the lead in the Bruceontheloose.
Roman awaited the last three furlongs to make a sweeping run, wide of rivals on a track made sloppy by afternoon rain, blowing the home turn, before trying to run down GIRVANO, who had taken over from stablemate MAMMA MIA a furlong and a half out.
GIRVANO, a late closer, who had famously upset stablemate and 2024 Mouttet Mile winner FUNCAANDUN in last August’s Distinctly Irish at nine furlongs and 25 yards, was not for catching, powering home under Robert Halledeen at odds of 9-2.
OF A REVOLUTION’s bid flattened inside the final half-furlong, trying to close on a stayer after being given too much to do by the two-time returning champion jockey.
GIRVANO was among three winners for champion trainer Jason DaCosta, who won his fourth consecutive title at the expense of Anthony Nunes last Saturday.
DaCosta’s local-bred, PROVIDENT, closed the late double for champion owner Carlton Watson at odds of 10-1 with Canada-based Tevin Foster, who flew south with Dane Nelson from Century Mile in Edmonton.
DaCosta’s American, RICORICORICO, made all with claiming rider Anthony Allen to easily win the third event at five furlongs straight as the 3-5 favourite for his second career win, giving the champion trainer a flying start on the nine-race New Year’s Day card.
Racing continues tomorrow, the first Saturday meet of the new season with another nine-race programme.
English (US) ·