EXPECT SOMETHING major to happen today at the Garrison Savannah in the 33rd running of the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup over 1 800 metres.
Either the raging hot favourite Major Marvel, with?Barbados’ No.1 jockey Patrick Husbands aboard will capture the pattern Grade 1.Int.-Bar event for three-year-olds and over (weight for age), or a major surprise will be in store.
The nominees for the surprise on the Barbados Turf Club’s sixth day of the first season are Shared Adventure, Daga, Jakesam or Knight Rider.
After the traditional cultural presentation, all guessing and speculations on the big race will cease around 4:25 p.m. to the crescendos of the thousands of adoring spectators who will grace this heritage site.
Easily the best Gold Cup field for well over a decade, it has excellent horses who are not only fast but have plenty of class.
Barbados’ most accomplished sprinters Shared Adventure and Areutalkintome will clash for the very first time going this distance and the track record of 1:48.3 could be jeopardy.
Favourite Major Marvel, which is owned by Americans Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey, looks like a well oiled machine and Husbands, one of the world’s leading jockeys, has been assigned a simple task.
It is difficult to see who or how they can stop the eight-year-old bay gelding from collecting the bacon.
For Husbands, it will be another day at the office, this time working for a purse of $214 000 and trophy.
“Riding in the Gold Cup is like winning the Grammy. Major Marvel is a veteran, he knows the game. On this bull ring, I’ll play it by ear. When the gates fly it’s a wide open race, but I feel Daga is the horse to beat,” Husbands said.
Shared Adventure is undoubtedly one of the classier horses in this race and will be seeking to excel in unchartered waters. For his “pilot”, Kenny John, it will be a tough examination of his character and skills.
Jakesam has turned the corner at the right time but this is now the real test as his last win showcased that he had something in reserve. If his jockey can stay calm he may be surprised at what could happen for him.
Nominee has to be respected once he handles the turns.
Trinidad and Tobago could very well continue Carnival celebrations having not won this race since 1988 and it is about time jockey Nobel Abrego delivers in a Gold Cup.
Daga has been working exceptionally well but she is overdue a win and there is no better day than today no matter the conditions.
She is the one that can increase your bankroll at a decent price and jockey Kyle Carter is extremely confident.
“I’m hoping for a perfect trip and to stay out of trouble. I’m riding with confidence. I’m expecting a fast pace, which will suit her. She looks fantastic, the best I have ever seen her. I’m just looking to give her the best ride possible and go one better than last year,” he said.
Knight Rider is still on the improve but has displayed a lion’s heart and gets my backing at the light impost. There is concern at the moment about his lack of class but he has been developing like a tsunami coming to shore.
Areutalkintome will most likely be at the front as soon as the gates open. If he can sustain his frenetic pace and keep off all challengers, then it will be an incredible result for his connections. But if a speed battle ensues then he will definitely need help by the top of the hill.
Jockey Rico Walcott is not worried. “He is working well and has been galloping out well after the workouts. He runs well for me and I’m just going to ride my race. He will run his heart out,” Aristodemus’ title defence could follow the same script as previous winners Pure Temptation, Daylight Express and Dancing David, who all returned looking for a miracle.
Dashing David’s chances are compromised by the draw, lack of pace and the blistering fractions expected to engulf the Savannah. He will have to do more than anyone to take the lion’s share here even though jockey Reshawn Latchman says “he is a pretty confident horse who can perform. He’s willing and is a trier”.
Discreetwon will get plenty of pace to run at. His present form is good and his jockey, Jalon Samuel, loves the big stage.
Indian Officer is in reasonably good form but a win for this outsider will drive the country into shock.
My Picks
Race 1: In The Pink
Race 2: Bird Of Paradise
Race 3: Appealing
Race 4: Zouk’s Girl
Race 5: Vitality
Race 6: Victoria Alexandria
Race 7: Kendal Moon
Race 8: Caillou
Race 9: Major Marvel
Race 10: Furious
Race 11: Royal Spirit
