Blue Vinyl edges Supremacy in Caymanas Park feature

Blue Vinyl, sent off at 2-1, produced a late burst along the inside rail to win Saturday’s feature Luchipoo Trophy at Caymanas Park, an overnight allowance event run over eight furlongs. The victory was one of two on the card for reigning two-time champion jockey Raddesh Roman.

The Gary Subratie-trained runner had to work hard in the straight after Supremacy moved to challenge as Share the Light drifted off course. Mojito also looked dangerous between horses, while Interesting Times stayed within striking range, but Blue Vinyl found his run late and got up in a tight finish.

Blue Vinyl completed the race in 1:37.3 after splits of 23.4, 46.1 and 1:11.2, defeating Supremacy by a nose. Interesting Times finished next.

Roman described the contest as a quick one and said the race changed when the pace lifted leaving the seven-furlong point. He said Blue Vinyl appeared beaten at the quarter pole, but the inside opening made the difference. “This horse is like my son. I know him very well inside out,” he said, adding that his plan was to break cleanly, settle the horse, give him a breather and then ask for his effort in the final three furlongs.

Roman also guided 1-5 favourite Diesel Train to a dominant win in the co-feature, the Valbert Marlowe Memorial Cup, a restricted allowance three event for four-year-olds and upward over nine furlongs. Diesel Train, conditioned by Peter John Persaud, was returning from a four-month layoff and won by 60 lengths in 1:52 flat.

Persaud said Diesel Train had overcome a few minor issues and admitted he was nervous about the horse returning over the longer trip. He said the jockey gave him confidence that the horse was ready, and the performance showed his potential for stronger assignments.

Jockey Robert Halledeen also rode two winners, while four-time champion trainer Jason DaCosta saddled a double. Racing is scheduled to continue next Saturday.