Blondie Blondie all the way

Orville Clark,Gleaner Writer

The 5-1 chance BLONDIE BLONDIE snapped the winning streak of IL CAIMANO, with a bold front-running display in the circular nine feature for the Tewfic Ziadie Memorial Cup (claiming $450,000-$400,000) at Caymanas Park yesterday.

However, she had to be hard driven by jockey Andre Martin throughout the last furlong to repel a strong challenge from 13-1 chance, RULE BY SECRECY, under title-chasing jockey Paul 'Country' Francis, winning by a short head.

Well away in the 10-horse field, BLONDIE BLONDIE was allowed to lead unmolested. She was first chased by NATURAL DESIRE, then the 1-1 favourite IL CAIMANO from the half-mile. But BLONDIE BLONDIE was still clear entering the straight and with IL CIAMANO seemingly in trouble at this stage, it was left to the consistent RULE BY SECRECY to carry the fight, the six-year-old gelding losing narrowly in the end.

Hat-trick seeker EL DIABLO stayed on for third, another 3 1/4 lengths away, while IL CAIMANO, who also failed in his bid for the hat-trick, placed fourth.

BLONDIE BLONDIE is owned and trained by Dennis Pryce and bred by Carl Anderson. She is a 5-y-o bay mare by Maverick out of the Studdish mare Zanamoe.

Disqualified

Earlier in the afternoon, MR. JIM CEE (5-1) was disqualified after passing the post first in the eighth race over the straight five course following a lengthy stewards' inquiry.

Ridden by in-form Dick Cardenas for trainer Richard Azan, the four-year-old colt (always prominent) came through a furlong out to win in a driving finish from 7-2 chance SOMETHING DOING, but was subsequently disqualified and placed third, this for causing interference to third past the post GRACEFUL NATIVE.

The race awarded to the Philip Feanny-trained SOMETHING DOING with Trevor Simpson up.

On what proved a tough day for form players, the Cardenas-ridden MARK MY WORD at 2-5 in race seven was the only favourite to score.

Title-chasing jockey Dane rode two winners on the card in COCK ROBIN and TRACKING SO SOFTLY.