Don Kwesi removes doubt with Harlequin Cup 

DON KWESI yesterday staked his claim as the best local-bred in training, closing a hat trick of wins by chasing down speedy 2024 Guineas winner, CALIFORNIA CROWN, in the Harlequin Cup at five and a half furlongs.

Local-breds, led by DON KWESI, CALIFORNIA CROWN, and ZULU WARRIOR, rained on the parade of American DESERT OF MALIBU, who was highly fancied at even-money after easily beating overnight-allowance runners in April’s Easter Sprint Cup.

Hunting points to secure a gate in December’s rich grade-one events, the US$300,000 Mouttet Mile or US$100,000 Bruceontheloose Sprint in which she had placed third behind OF A REVOLUTION and MONEY MARKET last year, DESERT OF MALIBU was run off her legs by CALIFORNIA CROWN down the backstretch.

Fighting fit after his brave second-place run to American stablemate FUNCAANDUN in the grade-one Seeking My Dream Trophy two weeks ago, CALIFORNIA CROWN turned back the American seven-year-old mare in unrelenting splits of 22.4 and 46.2 before DON KWESI came charging under Demar Williams inside the last half-furlong.

Running with tongue-tie removed and blinkers fitted for the zippy sprint, DON KWESI tracked the hot pace from fourth before improving into third, past MIGHTY GULLY, coming off the home turn.

CALIFORNIA CROWN kicked away from DESERT OF MALIBU early in the stretch run. However, maintaining a 59.2 split a half-furlong out took a toll on the speedster, who grudgingly gave way to DON KWESI, confidently ridden by five-pound claimer Williams, who has now won six astride the four-year-old in his last 10 starts.

Backed down to 7-2 with stable confidence running high, Barrington Bernard’s DON KWESI moved to 88 points on the list of local-based horses hunting gates for December’s US$300,000 Mouttet Mile, which has six spots reserved for foreigners shipping directly into the grade-one event.

ZULU WARRIOR, who closed along the rail to secure third behind DON KWESI and CALIFORNIA CROWN, joined fellow local-bred, MONEY MARKET, and last year’s Mouttet Mile fourth-place SUPERNATURAL POWER on 90 points.

Racing continues at the weekend with the 1000 and 2000 Guineas set for Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Caption

Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer 

DON KWESI, ridden by Demar Williams, wins the Harlequin Cup over five and a half furlongs at Caymanas Park, yesterday.