NATION NEWS
Jake, Express top reserves
Published on: 5/9/08.

by TYRONE EVELYN

JAKEJAKEJAKE AND DAYLIGHT EXPRESS, two of the leading imported three-year-old horses, are both reserves for the $60 000 Ocala Breeders' Sales Company Trophy Condition due to run off at the Garrison on Monday.

Sixteen horses have been entered for the 1 570-metres event, with Daylight Express being second reserve and JakeJakeJake the third reserve. There are two other reserves: Old Brigand (Reserve 1) and creole Gudfridie (Reserve 4).

JakeJakeJake had won his first three races in impressive fashion and had established himself as the leading three-year-old. However, his reputation took a dent in his last start when, after being installed favourite to beat a field of contemporaries over 1 570 metres, he pulled up at the bottom of the homestretch when his chance had already gone.

Daylight Express went on to win rather easily, and this Robert Peirce-trained animal returned since to win a similar event once again in devastating fashion.

Those two wins enhanced Daylight Express' reputation considerably and race fans were eagerly anticipating the next clash between himself and JakeJakeJake.

However, with both horses being reserves in Monday's event, it is highly unlikely this clash will come off then. For the clash to materialise, at least three horses have to be withdrawn from the original 16 entered.

Of the horses expected to face the starter, Lethal Liesel, Sprite, Messi, Wash Brook and Fully Loaded to a lesser extent have all shown ability and will ensure that the race is still competitive if JakeJakeJake and Daylight Express are not among the starters.

Actually, if Daylight Express does not get into the feature race, he will still be seen out on Monday as he has also been entered in the opening Lost In The Fog Trophy Condition for the B2 to D2 animals going 1 100 metres.

Sprite and Fully Loaded have been double entered as well, as they are listed among the eight horses entered in this event.

This race carries prize money totalling $13 000 and if Daylight Express does not get into the Ocala Breeders' Trophy, this event will be at his mercy.