Double puts Maragh third

HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida (CMC):

Rajiv Maragh used skilful front-running tactics to score a surprise win in Saturday's Herecomesthebride Stakes at Gulfstream Park, giving the Jamaican riding ace his first added-money win of the new season.

Maragh, 24, staged a vigorous finish astride the eight-to-one entry Khancord Kid, repelling strong late challenges from the favourite Upperline, and 11-2 bet Apple Charlotte, to win the mile-and-an-eighth event for three-year-old fillies by half-length for trainer John Kimmell.

"The pace was pretty comfortable up front, so I just let her go on at her own pace," Maragh said.

Maragh copped 28 stakes wins last year among 236 victories for mounts' earnings of US$11.73 million.

Maragh also won the US$35,000 sixth race over 5-1/2 furlongs, with Friend or Foe by two lengths at odds of 12-1.

Maragh's double triumph kept him in touch with jockeys' lead at Gulfstream. He is joint third with Elvis Trujillo on 31 wins, trailing Javier Castellano (39) and John Velasquez (35).