Mercedes romps home in emphatic fashion

By Kent Layne

Top jockey Rickey Walcott won his eighth Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Breeders’ Stakes and Trophy when he guided three-year-old Mercedes to victory before a decent crowd at the Garrison Savannah on Saturday night.

Show Time took the lead early in 1570-metre trip, while being tracked by Queen of the South and favorite Mercedes in third.

However, Show Time’s three-length lead quickly vanished, and Mercedes eventually passed the early leader at the three-furlong maker before taking command in the home straight to win by a length and a quarter.

Moschara ran a brilliant race from last position to finish in second and will be one to look out for in the classic races this year.

Queen of The South was third, but did not show the burst of speed expected of her.

Early pace setter Show Time could be considered a sprinter and did not stay on the mile trip, eventually placing fourth.

Owners Kerland Felician and Stephen Jardine won the Hopeful for the first time, while winning trainer Richard Deane made it two in a row after he saddled Indelible to win last year.

The winning time was 137.4.

Races will continue on March 2, on Sandy Lane Gold Cup Day.

(KL)