Capturemyship the one to sparkle
COURSE-SPECIALIST CAPTUREMYSHIP yesterday used superior speed to overcome his inner-rail draw, outfinishing United States-bred SPARKLE DIAMOND in the afternoon’s overnight allowance at five furlongs straight.
Partnered by champion-jockey designate, Anthony Thomas, CAPTUREMYSHIP left stall two in the 12-horse field with cannons blazing, disputing the lead with UNKNOWN SOLDIER.
Ripping splits of 22.3 and 44.3, the speedy seven-year-old made his way to the faster stands’ side, meeting off-thebreak SPARKLE DIAMOND challenging from his wide draw.
Full of running when asked to keep his challenger at bay, CAPTUREMYSHIP stayed on strongly to clock 57.4, winning by a half-length at his favourite trip.
CAPTUREMYSHIP handed Thomas a second winner on t he ninerace card after snatching the third even tina driving finish aboard THUNDERSTRIKE, nailing long-time leader, ITS A BEAUTIFUL DAY, who tried to make all at seven furlongs.
Leading trainer Jason DaCosta and his challenger, reigning two-time champion, Anthony Nunes, saddled two winners apiece.
DaCosta landed the second for two-year-olds with 16-1 outsider, FLY MESSENGER FLY, who was kept wide of runners and out of trouble by female rider, Abigail Able, avoiding multiple instances of interference, which resulted in the disqualification of second-past-the-post BABYLIKE.
In the fourth, DaCosta’s United Statesbred I AM FRED proved his previous run was an off-day, outclassing rivals at seven furlongs, after his September 22 hat-trick bid was marred by a thirdplace finish behind DADDY JONES, who he beat into fourth with a fast-time win in 1:32.4.
Nunes, keeping DaCosta honest in the trainers’ stakes championship, grabbed his two-timer on the back end of the card, even-money favourite BIG PAUL in the seventh and MAGICAL MOOD in the nightpan, outfinishing 4-5 favourite MUM, who tried to make all at five and a half but ran out of steam inside the last half-furlong.
Racing continues on Saturday.