The Pick-9 which started at just over $5.5 million going into last Saturday’s race day had eluded punters for the last seven weeks. Sales on the Pick-9 soared to just under $5 million on the day. The expectations and anticipation soared among turfites across the island as some formed betting syndicates thereby joining resources in an attempt to snare this lucrative amount of cash. The actual running of the nine races provided the usual ups and downs, but there were no out and out upset winners that could derail catching this exotic wager. In the end two punters were successful, with each taking home over $4 million.

RAYAN WILSON DOES IT ON ZEN ZEN

Zen Zen, a bay filly by Image Maker – Biblical Fury which was bought at the yearling sale for $400,000, released the maiden in fine style when in only her second run she defeated 11 of her age group rivals by three lengths. Jockey Rayan Wilson, riding his fifth winner for the year from 59 rides, did a competent job in the saddle as the even money favourite showed her class. The win provided long-time trainer Neive Graham with his third for 2013. A good win by Zen Zen, let’s hope she continues to develop.

FINALLY A WIN BY LADY BELRIDGE

After 14 starts and finishing in the money in many of those starts, Lady Belridge, a three-year-old bay filly by Outrigger – Docandme, finally found the winning path when she ran out a relatively easy winner of her maiden condition event last Saturday at Caymanas Park over 1400 metres or seven furlongs. The Anthony Smith-trained filly should now go on to better things even after taking so long to win her first race. Good ride by Richard Lunan.