LIKE LAST YEAR the script is the same but the track conditions, title and characters have changed for today’s Massy United Insurance Company Limited Raceday at the Garrison Savannah.
Around 4:25 p.m., Noble Intent and his breeder, owner and trainer John D. Chandler will be faced with history and possible heartache as they chase the Triple Crown in the marathon 2 000-metre race for West Indian-bred three-year olds.
If Noble Intent is fortunate with “luck” on his side, he will join the six horses who are members of the Barbados Turf Club’s racing exclusive Triple Crown club – Watersmeet, Ginger Lily, Coo Bird, Incitatus, Zouk and Areutalkintome.
It will secure for his connections a glittering silver cup plus the huge sum of $174 000, to which the Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders Association has contributed $100 000 for any horse to land the Triple Crown.
Champion rider Anderson Trotman, a winner of three derbys, will be the one charged with harnessing this colt’s scintillating speed as this equine superstar, who has dominated the first two jewels of the classic, faces his stiffest test.
While there are plenty positives for favourite Noble Intent to capture the coveted prize, a major obstacle – apart from his 11 challengers – will be the likely soft track conditions on which he is yet to record a win.
In The Pink leads an intriguing cast of three others that can cause heartache even though many believe she lacks the killer instinct but I beg to differ.
Voldemort, after a creditable second in the first jewel, the Barbados Guineas, badly disappointed as second favourite in the second jewel – the Midsummer Creole Classic.
Time has run out for him and it is now more than ever.
Far too often Jasmine rolls into the homestretch full of steam only to be found wanting for real estate.
Lavani, after defeating Noble Intent, was courageous in their rematch but she will now have to dig even deeper on this wide draw in order to topple this field.
Corvette’s sole question mark hinges upon his fitness. He will surely relish the soft conditions but may also be in need of the run to win a race of this magnitude.
Ninepoint-Six Nine and Joshua are both coming off injuries and while they both will need the run, one can well be guided by the tote board.
Regarding John Vere, soft conditions do make him potent but what has he done since winning the Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Breeders Stakes?
Dance Daddy Dance brings unique interest to the race but with her attitude, she is expected to be way out in the betting.
Super Lady ran encouragingly in the Midsummer Classic without success and will be hoping to pull off the upset of the century while Kamezeta’s chances have improved significantly by the heavy rainfall.
My Picks
Race 1: Summer Again
Race 2: Azkaban
Race 3: Sarava Point
Race 4: Open Secret
Race 5: Knight Rider
Race 6: Pun D Line
Race 7: Corvette
Race 8: Princess Di
Race 9: Just Jiving
