Hewitt stuns Caymanas, twice

CLAIMING RIDER Roger Hewitt yesterday twice stunned punters with contrasting upset victories over the straight course, including 7-1 shot ULTIMATE MACHINE in the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers Association Trophy.

A winner on his October 17 debut at five furlongs round, ULTIMATE MACHINE surprised a seasoned field of three-year-olds with a bullet start from post-position two, taking charge entering the main track and powering home in 1:00.2 at five furlongs straight.

Hewitt earlier won the sixth for $180,000 claimers aboard nine-year-old EXPLOSIVE CHARGE, chasing down BOSS IZZY, charging late to win by a head at four furlongs straight.

Defending champion jockey Anthony Thomas rode a three-timer on the nine-race card, cutting Dane Dawkins’ lead to two winners.

Thomas opened the programme with 2-1 chance MILITARY SHOT before booting home PRINCIPAL TIFFANY at 7-1 and 4-5 favourite OMRON in the fifth and seventh races, respectively.

Dawkins’ sole winner was 4-5 favourite BERN NOTICE, who turned back challenges from ANOTHER BULLET and ATLANTIC BLUE, coming off the home turn in the fourth event at a mile.

United States-bred LUKSOL used superior pace and speed to take charge of the BetMakers Holiday Bonanza Trophy #2, closing the card at a king’s ransom of 2-1 with Robert Halledeen, winning by three and a half lengths in 1:13.2 at six furlongs.

Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited paid its respects to Donovan ‘The Clockman’ Cunningham, who passed Wednesday morning, asking punters to observe a minute’s silence in remembrance of the late Track and Pools Gleaner Company Media Limited employee, who also served the promoting company as official timekeeper and exercise-morning clocker.

Cunningham’s image was displayed on the infield display board and monitors at all off-track betting parlours while a black flag flew at half-mast at Caymanas Park.

Racing continues on Monday and Tuesday with nine-race cards scheduled for both days.