Sunday, July 15 2012

CALL it beginner’s luck.

But Buffalo Soldier made a winning start to his career here, taking the feature $48,500 race for three-year-old horses rated 85-65 at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday.

On a wet, sloppy track, The Soldier, having his first outing since importation from the United States, took a short lead 800 metres out in the 1750 metres race.

And when it seemed he was going to an easy victory, determined challenges came from Go For The Gold and Esquire, and jockey Ronald “Tiger” Ali had to be at his best in driving the Merlin Samlalsingh-owned three-year-old to a short head victory at the finish over the runner-up with Esquire bearing down on the first two in third.

Racing was run off in pouring rain from the second event, and this forced the Arima Race Club stewards to take all races scheduled for the turf off it.

One lucky turfite still enjoyed the day, taking home a fat cheque for $56,847.50 for correctly spotting the Hi5 combination of Grand Slam, No Just Cause, Gold Bead, Lady Sage and Hold That Silver in the sixth race. It was a fine day for trainer Derick Mosca who saddle three winners to top his peers, one more than Lester Alexis.

And Ali with his two winning rides shared honours with Sheldon Rodrigo.

Next race day is Saturday when the feature will be the $150,000 President’s Cup over 1900 metres.