CALCULUS proves king over distance

LAST YEAR’S Jamaica Derby winner, CALCULUS, outbattled a game I AM FRED to win Saturday’s Menudo Trophy at 10 furlongs by a length and three-quarter, confirming his status as the country’s top-rated distance runner.

Stalking the pace from third, while I AM FRED disputed the lead with pacey BIG JULE, CALCULUS, stoked along by Shane Ellis from three and a half furlongs out, attacked I AM FRED along the rail in the stretch run and won in a driving finish.

Reporting off a gruelling six-furlong victory against MAHOGANY at six furlongs two weeks ago, United States-bred I AM FRED appeared winded inside the last half-furlong against strong-finishing route specialist CALCULUS.

Ellis landed two events on the 10-race card, also winning the fifth event aboard trainer Spencer Chung’s United States-bred REAL BOSS, who outfinished champion trainer Anthony Nunes’ G T BOY at nine furlongs in the Louis Hutchins Memorial.

REAL BOSS handed trainer Spencer Chung the first of two winners on the 10-race card run under a Tropical Storm watch. Chung’s DON VINCENZO was awarded the ninth event at a mile in the stewards’ room following the disqualification of first-past-the-post TRADITIONAL LADY.

Racing continues this afternoon, a nine-race card, with promoting company Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Ian as it passes south of the island.