by TYRONE EVELYN

WITH THE SANDY LANE GOLD CUP a mere two weeks away, Gold Cup fever has not caught Barbadians as yet, and this was very evident at the Garrison on Saturday.

The majority of horses looking for Gold Cup glory were on the exercise track preparing for the big day, but only a sprinkling of race fans was on hand to watch the Gold Cup hopefuls going through their paces.

This was a far cry from the days of Bentom, arguably the most popular of Gold Cup horses, and the epic battles provided by Sandford Prince and Coo-Bird, as Gold Cup interest reached fever pitch much earlier than is the case at present.

During those earlier Gold Cups, last Saturday for instance would have been a big day as Bentom's supporters, and his detractors, would have been at the track for the work and having animated discussions as to his chances in the big race.

A similar situation would have existed with Sandford Prince and Coo-Bird, and anyone passing by the Garrison during that time would have known that Gold Cup was around the corner.

Not so Saturday.

Despite this, trainers took the opportunity to get more work in their animals and among those seen going through their paces were defending champion Feet On Flames, who was partnered by Andy Ward in his gallop; Gay Smith's exciting new import Zarad, with race-day jockey Jonno Jones aboard and who has disappointed in his two races to date; the improving Inluck, who finished second to Feet On Flames in the Coolmore Stakes and who had Mr Blue for company; Birdie Point, a stablemate of Feet On Flames; Atul, out of the same stable as Surya Bhagwan, which finished third in the Gold Cup a few years back; and Duc D Fer.

Also seen going through their paces were champion creole Kabul, who is entered in the Tanglewood Stakes and Trophy; as well as Captain PJ, who is entered in the Sandy Lane Spa Stakes, both of which will also run off on Gold Cup day.