Two lucky punters cornered the $2.1 million Pick-9 at CaymanasPark on Saturday, but with none of the races producing an upset, it was indeed surprising that fortune smiled on so few. Each will receive $1,057.445.

As many as four favourites obliged in DEVIL WOMAN, AVALANCHE, WAGONIST and MAJOR MAYER.

The longest priced winners were 9-2 shots LATIN KING and SIR KISSON LAL in the fourth and 10th races, respectively. Both had to fight tooth and nail to win, the Wayne DaCosta-trained LATIN KING scrambling home by a short head from the fast-finishing SIR ROMEL also at 9-2, while SIR KISSON LAL just held on by a head from the fast-finishing favourite SIR MOHANDAS BABA in the secondary feature for the Dr. David 'Jack' Radix Memorial Cup over 1820 metres.

The hottest 'lick' was reserved for SIR ROMEL, who was attempting to win a race for the first time in three years.

During this time SIR ROMEL ran frequently in races such as overnight allowance in which he had no chance and finished down the track. Many racing fans questioned the logic behind all of this, so on Saturday he finally stepped down to the level (claiming $315,000-$295,000) where he would at least prove competitive.

With the trip ideal and Lasix administered for the first time, SIR ROMEL was backed down to 3-1 at one stage. With the gamble now on, the eight-year-old son of Secret Man was touted as the surest thing on the programme in some quarters. But retribution is a funny thing and with connections coming cocksure, so to speak, the horse lost in the wickedest way possible - by a nose.

Jockey Phillip Clunis brought SIR ROMEL with a terrific last furlong run but even in his desperation to get on terms in the last 100 metres, his mount arrived a trifle late.

Later in the afternoon, MAJOR MAYER rebounded from his recent defeat over 1300 metres on March 31 to win for the fourth time from his last five starts, this over 1500 metres in open allowance company.

Offering odds of 2-1 with Richie Mitchell riding as usual for trainer Michael McIntosh, MAJOR MAYER, now better drawn and relishing the milderpace, tracked long-time leader CHADMAN before going through leaving the 600-metre pole. He turned for home a good leader on the rails and kept on strongly to win by 2-1/2 lengths.

All credit is due to his trainer for bringing him back in unbeatable condition.

- O.C.