'Baba' Nunes lands triple to increase lead in trainer's championship

Anthony "Baba" Nunes has increased his lead over 17-time champion Wayne DaCosta in the race for this year's trainer's championship following Saturday's 11-race programme at Caymanas Park. Nunes saddled a three-timer on the card and now leads DaCosta by $1.6 million in stakes earnings with five race days to go for the season.

Nunes' winners included the 4-5 favourite Supreme Soul under 2-time former champion jockey Shane Ellis in the Andrew H.B. Aguilar Memorial Cup, a native bred 2 year old maiden special weight contest over a mile. Ellis rode a second winner for Nunes after guiding home the 2-5 favourite Foot Soldier in race 8.

Nunes closed the programme courtesy of the 4-1 chance K.J. Express with title-chasing jockey Dick Cardenas aboard. DaCosta had a double including Stranger Danger the 1-5 favourite in the Dye Job Sprint, a native bred and imported 2 year old restricted stakes event over 6 furlongs.

Thomas rode a double to push his tally to 93 wins while Cardenas had one win to move to 83. Racing continues on Wednesday with a 10-race programme.