Imperious filly Slip Stream will look to add the second jewel of the Barbados Triple Crown – the Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders Association Midsummer Creole Classic – to her impressive record.
This event for West Indian-bred three-year-olds over 1 800 metres at allotted weights is the main attraction today at the Garrison Savannah.
Slip Stream, with her record of six wins and two seconds from nine starts, scored a thrilling victory in the first leg of the Barbados Triple Crown series when she ran her opponents into the turf in the Barbados Guineas over 1 570 metres.
Having defeated most of the opponents entered today, she cannot expect to go unchallenged. However, her connections will be anticipating the same results – a win. She goes here fresh, fast and fighting fit.
Stablemate Kendal Moon, after a disappointing performance in the first leg of the Triple Crown, rebounded with a commanding victory in the Barbados Fillies Guineas.
Prior to that victory she placed third in the Ginger Punch Handicap for horses rated 58-80, both races over 1 570 metres. Based on those two efforts she is now seen as the major threat to Slip Stream and a turn of the table will come as no surprise.
The end results of the Barbados Guineas left the powerful Blue Diamonds Stable licking its wounds after its five entrants could only muster second and fourth place finishes.
Having returned to the drawing board, it is expected that trainer Anderson Ward will have the right ammunition for what appears tailor-made for a Kendal one-two finish, at least on form.
Istanbul looks to spearhead this attack once again, having won two Grade II events – the Guardian General Insurance Breeders’ Stakes And Trophy and the Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Breeders’ Stakes and Trophy, both at 1 570 metres.
Istanbul appeared leg weary in his fourth-placed finish in the Barbados Guineas. He has been refreshed and is expected to vie for his seventh victory, which will be no easy feat.
Trainer Ward’s back-up weapon has to be Island Memories. Although he has failed to win a graded race since turning three, he has been very consistent and always appears in need of the extra ground.
He is expected to find a place, if not causing an upset.
Must Be The Money made every yard in the Heaven Scent Condition race for non-winners of two races over 1 570 metres. On that performance, I expect him to go with some pace, but not be around for the finish. Vitality could be handed the same assignment with a similar fate.
Reprise, Victoria Belle and Sweet Bottom Suzy have all shown some ability but this assignment appears beyond them, while Angelic Peace, Fernandina and Volcanic all look well short
of the required standard.
My Picks:
Race 1: Divine Destiny
Race 2: No Spin Zone
Race 3: Vandross
Race 4: King Of Diamonds
Race 5: Spellbound
Race 6: Kendal Moon
Race 7: Golden Moment
