Red Flag Impresses

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The Owen Sharpe-trained RED FLAG turned in the performance of the afternoon at Caymanas Park yesterday, running on strongly under topweight of 57.0kg to win the open allowance race over 1200 metres by 2 1/4 lengths.

Despite being the most genuine and consistent horse in the nine-strong field, having won two of his three previous races, RED FLAG won at the rather generous odds of 8-1.

A chance ride for Richard Mairs - replacing the injured Omar Walker - RED FLAG was unable to go with the early pace set by 5-2 chance JET SETTER and the even-money favourite REASONABLE PRESS, but found his best strides a furlong out to beat JET SETTER rather convincingly.

FATHER AND SON TEAM

This was RED FLAG's fourth win from seven starts this season and having won two races at the open allowance level recently, is now classified to race in grade one company where he will come up against horses of the calibre of SAINT CECELIA, MARK MY WORK and MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE, who has won his last 10 races.

RED FLAG is co-owned by Owen and Solomon Sharpe and bred by the father and son team.

Solomon said that, despite the weight, he was quietly confident RED FLAG would deliver.

"He's better than them and when you look at his consistency and versatility, combined with the fact that he was well prepared coming into the race, he did what was expected of him," said Solomon Sharpe, who is also a licenced trainer.

Earlier in the afternoon, COLD GROUND easily justified 2-5 favouritism with an easy victory in the Aston Commock Memorial Trophy over 1700 metres, feature event on the eight-race programme.

COLD GROUND was one of two winners for leading jockey Dane Nelson and trainer Patrick Lynch. Richie Mitchell also rode two winners in TIMEFORARMS and SUNLIGHT EXPRESS.