When it comes to sprinting in Barbados’ horse racing, Shared Adventure is the name usually called with authority and conviction.
But now his main rival Mother Nature is back.
Today at the Garrison Savannah, the H and M-owned colt who last lost a sprint race shouldering 140 pounds on a wet track in May last year will concede weight ranging from three pounds to Gold Cup champion Aristodemus to 23 pounds to Seattle Sunshine.
Shared Adventure has toppled all the major players in this event during his dazzling encounters at this distance, and heavy rains last Thursday night are likely leave the track on the good to soft side, immensely improving the opponents’ chances of derailing the Boston John trainee.
The last time Seattle Sunshine lined up alongside Shared Adventure, she came out on the wrong side of the coin. Handicapped 23 pounds, she took a seven-length beating.
She next lost to Vitality at today’s distance which puts her winning in doubt. But it should be pointed out quickly she is a classy filly who should not be written off.
Aristodemus’ record shows he really cannot be considered a sprinter. The rationale for his entry here will definitely be that his connections are trying to get in another meaningful gallop as part of his Sandy Lane Gold Cup preparation.
His last outing over 1 800 metres resulted in a poor showing, clearly indicating that he needed the run. He holds the distinction in this field along with A.P. Vincero as the only horses to have defeated the mighty Shared Adventure.
In such prevailing conditions and had it been over any distance other than a sprint he could be picked hands down to win.
Although it is not impossible, it is very improbable that he will finish ahead of the king of sprints in this one.
Vitality is a proven sprinter who clearly is not in the same class as Shared Adventure, but he is the leading contender from this outfit and based on his good form lately, he is the one that ccould cause an upset.
Lune De Barachois seems to be out of her league, but punters can also argue that she was second behind Areutalkintome and third to Seattle Sunshine in sprint races last year, which gives her a shot.
Her last three efforts against much softer opposition reflect a sudden dip in form, so minor place possibilities remain remote at best.
Run For Your Money will need to run out of his skin to get in the money. He has speed but is lacking the few gears required.
A.P. Vincero is definitely not the horse that defeated Shared Adventure as a juvenile and having just returned from a brief lay-off, his form suggests if this was an election, he would not get back his deposit.
