The Diamonds International Challenge Series, now in its 12th year, promises to provide race fans with a sparkling day at the Garrison Savannah on Saturday.
One race that is sure to excite is the Diamonds International Mont Blanc Meisterstruck Handicap for three-year-old and older horses rated 0-140 over 1 800 metres.
Entered is crowd favourite, the Andrew Nunes-trained Apostle, with the top weight of 133 pounds.
The Apostle of old would be a firm favourite to demolish this field. However, he has had his share of problems, and will have to draw on all his experience, if not his class, to score what would be a welcomed win.
Apostle was victorious in his last outing, the T.A Tommy Peirce Memorial Handicap over 1 570 metres for horses rated 0-145, but has not won at this trip (1 800 metres) since January 30, and he is sure to find this field much tougher than his last opponents.
Andrew Nunes also trains the improving colt Mingun Temple, which seems incapable of doing anything wrong recently. The animal is seeking a fourth consecutive win as he attempts to land this prestigious event.
Mingun Temple announced himself as a major force by winning the Kirov Lady Handicap for horses rated 0-80, and followed up that win by taking the Kabul Handicap for horses rated 0-115. Both races were at 1 800 metres.
It is worth noting that the Diamonds International Mont Blanc is a step up in class, but with the light impost of 108 pounds, and on his upward curve, he must be respected and has an outstanding chance.
Anderson Ward-trained Show Me The Money has had a remarkable year, but was overshadowed when he suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Areyoutalkintome in the Barbados Thoroughbred Association Breeders’ Classic over 1 800 metres, and has this race to rebound and make amends with his customary sterling effort.
This year’s Derby runner-up Amanyara ran a very impressive race when finishing second in the Barbados Thoroughbred Association Breeders’ Classic.
Although tackling more senior and seasoned opponents, she was undaunted and recorded her fourth second in as many starts.
Handicapped at 108 pounds, she is expected to be in the thick of things.
Bipin (119 pounds), Charge It (113), Walk On By (115), Spicey Tiger (119) and Zoom (108) complete the field. Though they have all performed well, those performances have been against lesser-rated opposition. They will all need to find more if they are to cause an upset.
John Brian and Duc De Fer have been off the track for some time, and might need the race in order to return to their best.
Race 1 is the Diamonds International Mont BlancDoue Conditions race for two-year-olds, and in this contest Byhookorbycreek will be attempting to land his third win from four starts.
His main competition should come from Intact and Royal Spirit, both of whom ran as though they would prefer
Saturday’s longer trip than the 1 100 metres distance in their last outing
