Feanny left wanting more despite Pop Rocket’s fighting win

Following Pop Rocket’s fighting win on Saturday, October 31, 2026, trainer Philip Feanny admitted he was disappointed with his filly’s effort — he expected her to win with ease. Ridden by Ian Spence, Pop Rocket ( Successful Native – Salvation) had to pull out all the stops to beat Clocky Tee (Chalrick Budhai) by a neck in a native-bred two-year-old maiden special weight contest over 41/2 furlongs (900m). Pop Rocket stopped the clock in 54.3 seconds. “Not bad, I’m a little disappointed. I thought she’d win better than that. There’s no difference in her first race and this one, as for both races she’s been lightly prepared. I haven’t dug into her. She has a lot more to go. Well, we’ll see,” Feanny told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide. Pop Rocket raced prominently just off the early pace set by front-runner Mandy (Tevin Foster). As the field passed the dummy rails, with about a furlong and a half to go, Pop Rocket launched her bid and seized command. But the victory was far from secure. In the dying strides, newcomer Clocky Tee unleashed a powerful late surge, testing the resolve of both filly and rider. Digging deep in the final yards, Spence extracted one last effort from Pop Rocket, who held on desperately to score by a neck. Clocky Tee delivered an encouraging debut to finish a clear second, three lengths ahead of the early pacesetter Mandy in third.