Strong Aveenu sharpens Classic claims with Monday Morning Trophy victory at Caymanas

Strong Aveenu, trained by Patrick Lynch, gave his 2000 Guineas campaign a timely lift when he captured the $1.1-million Monday Morning Trophy at Caymanas Park on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

With Dane Dawkins in the saddle, the Aveenu Malcainu-Ruby Rose colt got the better of Super David, partnered by Phillip Parchment, by one length. The race was a Restricted Allowance II event for native-bred three-year-olds who had not won twice, and was run over 7 furlongs, or 1,400 metres. Strong Aveenu stopped the clock at 1:27.3.

Minnehaha, ridden by Tyrese Anderson, originally crossed the line in fourth but was moved up to third. Charming Chaterbox, with Tevin Foster aboard, had finished third on the track before being disqualified.

“He’s a nice horse, very nice horse. He has been giving me good results. In the mornings he has done everything I asked him to do,” Dawkins said.

“The key was to get a good break, and I did just that. I relaxed him all the way until we reached the three furlongs, then I asked him to run and he picked up. In the straight I started to ride him and he responded very well. I wasn’t in any concern throughout the race. I felt the horse I have underneath me and knew that whenever I asked him to go, he would respond,” he added.

The 2000 Guineas, the opening Classic of the season for colts and geldings, is scheduled for June 7 over one mile, listed as 8 furlongs or 1,600 metres.