By Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
In a driving finish, SOPHISTICATED LADY (outside) with apprentice Oneil Mullings, just holds on from the fast-finishing KING OF THE BAND (Shane Ellis) to win the ninth race over the straight five course at Caymanas Park on Saturday. - Rudolph Brown/Staff Photographer
THE PICK-9 proved elusive over the dual Emancipation Day Holiday Carnival last weekend and the carryover going into tomorrow's Independence Day 10-race programme stands at a whopping $769,878.90.
With heavier than usual betting anticipated tomorrow, it is safe to assume that the Pick-9 will offer a payout well in excess of $1 million.
Last Saturday, 67 punters with seven of nine winners bagged $954.50 each, while 843 with six of nine claimed a measly $38.00.
The lone Pick-9 upset was provided by the veteran campaigner ONE SON at 11-1 in the fourth race over 1400 metres for bottom of the barrel claimers.
Despite walking out of the starting gate, the eight-year-old bay gelding from the stables of Laurence Freemantle recovered nicely to grab the lead from CLEVER STAR approaching the home turn, then kept on strongly up the lane to win by three lengths from the highly fancied pair of BONNIE'S FLAG and FIGHT FOR LIFE.
Significantly, ONE SON was the first official winner for apprentice Douglas Badaloo. He actually notched his first winner, MISS HIMO, on March 8. However, the five-year-old was subsequently disqualified by the Jamaica Racing Commission, having tested positive that day.
Meanwhile, with the Super-6 boosted by a guaranteed minimum of $250,000 since last Friday, interest in this exotic bet has intensified two fold, and not surprising.
ONE SON escaped the Super-6 races on Saturday and this made it easier for 29 punters to spot all six, each receiving $16,936.50.
It will be interesting to see whether it is the Super-6 or the Pick-9 which will entice punters more tomorrow. Being easier to win, I would bet my last dollar on the Super-6, but then it is unlikely it will reach three-quarter million tomorrow.
The Pick-9 on the other hand is sure to clear the million-dollar mark.
Saturday's racing was marked by some close finishes, none moreso than KERMIT (2-1) and AFFIRMATION (3-2) in the fifth race over 1200 metres.
Cheekily ridden by former champion Wesley Henry, KERMIT from the stables of Owen Sharpe made most. However, he was challenged strongly by the Shane Ellis-ridden AFFIRMATION from the top of the lane but dug in under a strong ride to just hold his opponent at bay by a whisker.
Another close finish came in the ninth race between SOPHISTICATED LADY (5-2) and KING OF THE BAND (3-1).
SOPHISTICATED LADY, with apprentice Oneil Mullings aboard, got first run when taking over from NOWISKI approaching the furlong pole, but in the end she was almost caught napping by the coutse specialist KING OF THE BAND with Ellis in the saddle.
Ellis, who rode two winners on the Friday, finished close seconds on three of his mounts Saturday, but the 2000 champion seems destined to make his mark in the saddle following a lengthy stint in Canada.
