Orville Clarke, freelance Writer
IN-FORM PANAMANIAN jockey Ameth Robles stole the show at Caymanas Park yesterday with three winners, including the 5-2 shot WILD AND RESTLESS in the Millard Ziadie Cup feature over the round five course.
Robles also won aboard 4-1 chance BULLETWOOD in the third race and the imported filly DIABLO FOREVER at 8-5 in the 10th for 'A1' horses.
The 37-year-old jockey rode a well-judged race aboard Raphael Gordon's WILD AND RESTLESS, the 10-year-old grey gelding closing strongly after being held off the early pace to catch and beat 11-1 outsider PIK A TRIX by a length in a field of eight.
PIK A TRIX, under lightweight jockey Anthoy Baker, vied for the lead with highly-fancied CHOCOLATE SLEW (5-2) and UNDER CURRENT (3-1) before dropping off the pace after the first 200 metres, allowing CHOCOLATE SLEW and UNDER CURRENT to set the fractions.
UNDER CURRENT turned for home a length clear of CHOCOLATE SLEW, but PIK A TRIX was not far off at this stage and came through on the inside to assume the lead approaching the distance. By then, however, WILD AND RESTLESS was beginning to find his best strides and under a strong ride from Robles went by PIK A TRIX 100 metres out to win decisively.
UNDER CURRENT faded into third, while the 7-5 favourite BUSHWACKER ran below expectations to finish fourth amid rumours that all was not right with him. Robles, who is unable to speak fluent English, said through an interpreter:
"I rode Wild And Restless to instructions. The trainer told me to relax him in the backstretch and come the last two. In the end he won quite comfortably," he explained.
This was his first three-timer since he started riding on a regular basis at Caymanas Park over a year ago. Having established himself as one of the top riders at the Park in recent months, Robles is eyeing the jockeys' championship.
"I'm getting good rides now, so it's not beyond me to figure seriously. The only problem is keeping my weight and staying healthy for the rest of the year. I'm going to give it a shot," he declared.
Later in the afternoon, DIABLO FOREVER who failed by inches to win the Lotto Gold Cup when last raced on December 15, made amends with a smooth victory in the 'A1' sprint.
Meanwhile, MISS U DOC (9-5) with Larris Allen aboard, became the second winner behind SANDBAGGER to be disqualified this season when she was placed out of the frame for causing interference to GENTLE RIVER CAT leaving the furlong pole in the ninth race over the straight five course. The race was awarded to the 13-1 upsetter QUEEN OF CASTILE, one of two winners for lightweight jockey Peter Bryan on the 11-race programme.
On what turned out to be a tough day for form players, other outsiders to score were ESCROW at 27-1, WHITE WATER at 9-1 as well as the 6-1 shots LADY MUNCH and PRESIDENT'S CHOICE in the closing race.
Jockey Chris Douglas, who rode PRESIDENT'S CHOICE, had to be given security protection by the Stewards en route to the Jockeys' Room as a result of reported threats against him.
Sections of the crowd became incensed, believing that the security personnel were escorting the jockey to the Stewards' Room and unruly elements responded by throwing missiles at them.
