Visor makes for a sharper Royal Aviator
With the prep run for participation in the Jamaica Derby proving a success, the Marvin Campbell-conditioned Royal Aviator is now set to soar to even greater heights in the Derby on June 30.
The consistent sort, who closed well for third in the Lotto Classic on May 26, looked in good nick ahead of the big event, as he did just enough to win Division Two of a Restricted Allowance event over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) at Caymanas Park on Saturday.
Royal Aviator ( Casual Trick– Royal Victress) was fitted with the visor by Campbell on this occasion and that seem to have aided in the three-year-old bay gelding being much sharper in the early stages of the race.
Sent off as the 8-5 second favourite, Royal Aviator was patiently held in mid -pack by leading rider Anthony Thomas as Christilano (Delroy Beharie) and Dyna’s Pride (Aaron Chatrie) took the eight-horse field past the Club House turn and onto the backstretch.
The two continued to match strides leaving the five with Jacko Links (Oniel Beckford) creeping up on the outside to challenge and at one point got the nose in front.
Royal Aviator was sent in chase by Thomas, as the 4-5 favourite and fellow Derby contender Master of Hall (Wesley Henry) also made a decisive bid on the inside rails.
Royal Aviator the slipped through on the outside and kicked away by over a length in the straight, leaving the fast-finishing Master Of Hall half-a-length behind.
Royal Aviator completed the distance in a tidy 1:58.3, behind splits of 27.1, 51.3, 1:17.2 and 1:43.3.
Late closers Gift Of Law (Devon A Thomas) and Peggy’s Vision (Prince Holder) completed the frame.
“I am very pleased this afternoon. In the race before, he took a little while to come down, so I put on the visor and I think it made a lot of difference today (Saturday). The jockey rode a very good race, he kept his composure and made his move at the right time, so he really ran a nice race and I am just happy,” Campbell said.
In 11 career starts, Royal Aviator has registered two wins, one second and three third-place finishes, and Campbell has high hopes about his chances in the Derby.
“We are definitely looking forward to the Derby once everything goes well, so it is just preparation until then, and once he comes out of this race happy, then the Derby will not be a problem for him.
“The farther he goes the happier he is. He showed that he can compete, and I know he will be competitive in the Derby and the visor will again be fitted which should add to his chances. Because you don’t want him to be too far off the pace and give away his chances early; I just want to be close,” Campbell shared.
“There is still time, so we will continue to work with him leading up to the race and hope things continue going well with his preparation. He is looking good so far and, if things remain the way they are, then we are confident about his chances in the Derby,” he ended.