Phillip Feanny’s Divine Force lived up to his name on Saturday, as he produced a powerful, gate-to-wire upset to win the feature Yvonne Mattis Cup in commanding fashion at odds of 19-1.
The five-year-old American-bred gelding, piloted by the rarely used but clearly inspired Delroy Beharie, stunned his more fancied rivals in the $1.25 million Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and up, clocking a final time of 1:52.3 over nine furlongs (1800m).
With no clear front-runner in the 12-horse field, Beharie seized the opportunity immediately out of the number five post and sent Divine Force straight to the lead. From there, the A.C.K. Stables-owned charge never looked back. Chased early by Sonny T and Chippy (Shane Richardson) and Sistren Treasure (Paul Francis), with favourites Rhythm Buzz (Reyan Lewis) and Girvano (Raddesh Roman) lurking, Divine Force dictated a pace that turned the race on its head.
Trainer Phillip Feanny (left) and groom Glenworth Thompson share a photo opportunity with their charge. (Photos: Caymanas Racing)
Despite expectations that he would tire, especially against proven closers, Divine Force maintained his composure and rhythm through splits of 24.3, 47.2, 1:12.0, and 1:38.4. Beharie, who had been a passenger for most of the trip, cast a quick look over his shoulder when he entered the homestretch and liked what he saw — no real threat in striking range.
It was not until he got to the final furlong pole that Beharie asked his mount for more, as he drew the right-hand whip briefly. Divine Force (Alternation-Dance America) responded willingly and pulled away to win by three lengths. Girvano rallied late for second, while Sistren Treasure and Rhythm Buzz rounded out the frame.
The day also saw a trio of jockeys share top riding honours, with two wins each. Omar Walker opened his account aboard Tuts in the opener for trainer Adin Williams, and later partnered with 10-1 outsider Queen of Soul for Anthony Nunes in the sixth event. Apprentice Richie Shakes continued his rise with victories aboard Phillip Lee's Brompton Alex and the Steven Todd-conditioned odds-on favourite Kencia.
Meanwhile, Shane Ellis scored with Nunes' Another One in the seventh event, the Mother’s Day Special, and closed his double aboard Jason DaCosta's Provident in the eighth race. Nunes claimed top honours among his peers.