Foreigner invades Mouttet Mile

FLORIDA INVADER ROUGH ENTRY reproduced his Gulfstream Park form to outclass the local cast in yesterday’s Mouttet Mile, clocking a solid 1:38.0, beating Jamaica Derby-winner ABILITY by seven lengths in the Caribbean’s richest horse race.

Entering the US$150,000 event with a strong September 23 victory at six furlongs among $35,000 claimers at Gulfstream Park, Florida, the six-year-old sat fourth with Frenchman Julien Leparoux before going after MAMMA MIA coming off the home turn.

Set loose by multiple Breeders’ Cup-winning rider Leparoux, ROUGH ENTRY collared MAMMA MIA a furlong and a half out after which the issue was a foregone conclusion.

Streaking clear of MAMMA MIA, ROUGH ENTRY won as his form and exercise reports indicated, an out-of-class foreign invader plundering the $12.5m winner’s purse for Jamaican trainer Rohan Crighton, who plies his trade on the Florida circuit.

ABILITY, who had stunned at odds of 17-1 in August’s Jamaica Derby, came off the turn third and ran a brave race, going second a half-furlong out at a quietly whispered 6-1 but was no match for the foreign invader.

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Leparoux booted home two winners on his first Jamaican tour of duty, guiding home Anthony Nunes’ CAPTAIN CALICO in the ninth event at seven furlongs.

Tevin Foster rode three winners on the 11-race card, HRECUAN LIGHT, PREMIER IDENTITY and RAINSVILLE, who produced a storming run to land the Chairman’s Trophy at nine furlongs and 25 yards.

Racing continues at Caymanas Park at the weekend.