Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

AD INFINITUM, the second of three winners for champion jockey Brian Harding, gets the better of PASSA PASSA and UNTOUCHABLE (partly hidden) to win the seventh race over 1500 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday. Trained by Anthony Nunes, the 4-y-o gelding returned from an eight-month absence on a winning note. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

THE REIGNING 'Horse of the Year', MIRACLE MAN, toting customary top weight of 60.5kg with champion jockey Brian Harding aboard, turned in an awesome display at Caymanas Park yesterday to win the Eileen Cliggott Trophy grade one feature over 1300 metres in fine style.

Installed an even-money favourite despite facing genuine sprinters for the first time, the massive four-year-old colt raced prominently in third as the fleet-footed LIL' COUNTRY BOY (3-1) led on a muddy surface, ahead of his well-backed stable-companion CLOCK WORK.

Effortless win

MIRACLE MAN turned for home within striking distance of 'COUNTRY BOY' and getting into top gear almost immediately, the 2005 Derby and Superstakes winner effortlessly closed in on the leader, disposing of him just inside the last furlong to be unbeaten in six starts this season.

Trained by legendary 'Hall of Famer' Allan 'Billy' Williams for popular owner Joseph 'Fudgie' Duany, MIRACLE MAN won by 2 1/4 lengths from 12-1 chance MEDICAL REPORT who in turn had two lengths to spare over FORMALLY GOLD (7-2) in a field of seven.

By Law of the Sea out of Hya, MIRACLE MAN had previously won the $1.1 million Prime Minister's Stakes over 2000 metres on Independence Day, August 7.

However, this was the first time that he won going this short and it is testimony to the versatility and class of this extraordinary thoroughbred.

Increased tally

As one stable-connection puts it after the race: "Instead of giving him the Eileen Cliggott Trophy, they should just do away with the formalities and present him with a second Horse of the Year award from now."

Having ridden five winners last Wednesday and three on the previous Saturday, Harding followed up with three winners (Miracle Man, Ad Infinitum and 2-y-o debutante Mucho Gusto) on the 11-race programme to extend his lead over closest rival Wesley 'Callaloo' Henry who for the second consecutive raceday failed to ride a winner.

He thus pushed his tally to 64, eight clear of Henry who is four ahead of Trevor Simpson (who also drew a blank) in third.

Meanwhile, two more of the apprentice riders who recently graduated from the Jockeys' School - Carlton Malcolm aboard Royal Speed and Rayan Wilson aboard Cordite - notched up their first career wins.