Khun Dan (right) blazing to a come from behind victory over Gaffalione at the Boxing Day races at Ellis Thomas Downs. Photo: VINO

Mr Michael 'Lulu' Smith said he was keen on returning his horse to Ellis Thomas Downs for the upcoming Triple Crown although Khun Dan would most likely take part in the supporting races. Photo: VINO

The horse from St. Thomas, USVI came out of the gate late to register a come from behind win over Tortola’s Gaffalione in the LIME sponsored One-Mile race for B and C horses. Khun Dan won by a length in registering a third straight win for Alliance Point Stables, who received a winning purse of $4, 500.00.

“The horse had a bad break but I think the Jockey did an excellent job, he was patient and he was successful,” said trainer Michael Smith, who also did not make his reason for success any secret. “I just been letting him go out of the gates early.”

Mr Smith said he was keen on returning to Ellis Thomas Downs for the upcoming Triple Crown although Khun Dan would most likely take part in the supporting races.

The first leg of the event is scheduled for Tortola on January 13, 2013; the second leg is for February 17, 2013 in St Croix and the third leg of the event is slated for March 17, 2013 in St Thomas.

“I will bring him back, yes, once he comes off good and he is alright he will be back to race again.”

Asked whether he thought Khun Dan was ready to step up to a bigger race such as the Triple Crown, Mr Smith said “well they have other horses qualified in front of him so I will just put him in whatever race I could get him in.”

Earlier, Good Evening Officer flew to a 6^th straight win in a 7 furlong race for Open Fillies and Mares. Second was Blake's Lucky Penny of Top Priority Stables, third was Glorious Memory of L&B Stables while Orithyia of St. Thomas trotted in last.

“The strategy was to go to the finish line first, so said so done...She is a good mare,” commented Ellon Garfield aka Lon, who said he is responsible for grooming the champion horse.

Meanwhile, Good Evening Officer's jockey Jose Reviera, speaking through interpreter Carlos Perez, said he did exactly what the trainer wanted him to do to win the race on Boxing Day. “She has a lot of speed. Let her go the way she wants it and when you ask for it she is going to fly from you and you are going to win it and that is exactly what would happen.”

The Puerto Rican jockey also praised the Ellis Thomas Downs track, which he said was a good surface and appeared to have been well taken care of.