SLEW THEM RANNY, under a patient ride from in-form apprentice Ramon Parish, romped race six in the popular Craven "A" Claiming Championship series over 2000 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday.
Offering odds of 9-2 in the field of 13, SLEW THEM RANNY won by all of 11 lengths from 50-1 outsider BOUNCING GIRL who in turn had 1 3/4 lengths to spare over 9-1 chance LABEEB, heads on with both THE ODYSSEY and 2-1 favourite SPECIAL ENVOY for the other minor placings. GOLDEN RAJAH was declared a late non-starter.
Although known for his good early pace, SLEW THEM RANNY was held up nearer last than first as THE ODYSSEY led from MAXX TRAXX, CAPTAIN JACQUES and SPECIAL ENVOY close up as they thundered past the stands for the first time.
THE ODYSSEY was still marginally in front approaching the half mile, but at this stage SLEW THEM RANNY began to made rapid headway on the leaders.
He shot into the lead approaching the 600 metres pole and after turning for home with a commanding lead over THE ODYSSEY and SPECIAL ENVOY, moved farther and farther away to win with considerable ease.
BOUNCING GIRL, who was outpaced into the straight, closed late along the rails over the last 200 metres to secure second.
A six-year-old dark bay gelding by Joe Slew out of Tyranny, SLEW THEM RANNY is owned and trained by Michael Beecham. This was the gelding's second win from his last three starts, having won narrowly from fast-finishing SPECIAL ENVOY over 1700 metres on July 29 with Parish astride.
Parish had a second winner on the card in 7-2 chance NICK OF TIME in the fifth race over 1200 metres. He just missed a three-timer when the course specialist and 6-5 favourite WILD TRAVELLER was caught on the line by MAC THE KNIGHT (10-1) in the eighth race over the straight five course.
Also riding two winners was fellow apprentice Larris Allen and title chasing jockey Shane Ellis.
Allen booted home the two-year-old debutant MY GIRL (2-1) for leading trainer Philip Feanny in the fourth race over 1100 metres and was awarded the seventh aboard 4-1 chance MOMBASSA in the Stewards' Room following the disqualification of first past the post CHAMPION GIRL (6-1).
Ridden by apprentice Valentino McBean, CHAMPION GIRL (always prominent) cut across long-time leader and favourite BORN IN BUBBLES when taking over the lead approaching the distance and although winning comfortably from the fast-finishing MOMBASSA on the stands' side, was disqualified and placed ninth as a result of the inquiry.
In the absence of leading jockey Andrew Ramgeet, Ellis (62 winners) continued to make inroads into his arch rival, winning aboard 3-2 chance LADY SOLO in the first and 4-5 favourite BINGO INFERNO in the ninth to be 15 adrift.
On a tough day for form players, BINGO INFERNO was the only successful favourite on the 10-race programme.
The notable upset came in the sixth race over 1600 metres where the 30-1 outsider WINNING WAYS came through at the top of the straight to win from the fast-finishing SIR RAMNATH GUPTA. He was ridden by Paul Ramsay for owner Raphael Gordon and trainer Roy Jackson.
By Orville Clarke
Freelance Writer
