Trainer Victor Cheeseman holds the strongest hand going into today’s running of the Barbados Midsummer Creole Classic over 1 800 metres at the Garrison Savannah.
Cheeseman’s horses have been consistently going in the right direction over the last two years and so it comes as no surprise to see him sitting in pole position on the trainer’s table having rattled up 14 wins and earnings of $304 430 from 85 starters.
Cheeseman said he was looking to run one-two in the Barbados Guineas and that he did. He may very well be looking to sweep the top four positions among he 11 entered.
For this second jewel of the Barbados Triple Crown, which is for West Indian bred three-year olds at allotted weight, Cheeseman has both quantity and quality runners – four of them.
From a statistical point of view, Vanity Affair, who has drawn box 11, will start as the favourite. Nekitta, the only horse that can win the Triple Crown this year, will move off from the number one hole. Khartoum will get going from box number seven and Cheeseman’s fourth shot Sirius Black from pole position three.
Where quality is concerned, Cheeseman’s charges have combined to win nine races including five over 1 570 metres. Nekitta took the grade I Barbados Guineas,while Vanity Affair ran home with the Barbados Fillies Guineas and the Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Breeders’ Stakes and Trophy.
Since then, Vanity Affair has been stretched out and she just seems to improve with every race – a trend which should be no different for today’s assignment.
Nekitta has the inside draw to her advantage. It will allow her to be positioned and save some ground, then hopefully produce that staying ability. When asked to quicken, she is the one they will have to beat.
Cheeseman appears to be a major threat to himself as should his top two be separated Khartoum seems the one most likely that can get the job done, having won the first 1 570 metres race for two-year-olds.
He successfully negotiated the top turn last effort before placing second. That alone was a learning experience for the colt and he should be much better for that run.
Sirius Black will be considered the outsider of Cheeseman’s quartet.
Trainer Jonathon Simpson has three entries in the classic – The Price Is Right, Janak’s Gold and Zouk’s Girl. The Price Is Right has won five of her ten starts, – all sprinting.
Janak’s Gold has displayed closing ability but will need to do more while Zouk’s Girl is outclassed. Trainer Andy Ward sends out Cabin Boy, who is steadily improving.
Trainer Edward Walcott sends the vastly improved Knight Rider and Conrad Prince, with the former carrying the stable’s hope.
Sweet Bottom Sarah and trainer/owner John D Chandler are also hoping to claim the top prize.
Racing starts at 3:30 p.m.
My picks
Race 1: Rickoshey
Race 2: Cottage Cove
Race 3: Dragonslayer
Race 4: Grenadilla
Race 5: Nekitta
Race 6: Giovedi
