Heavy rainfall?from the beginning of this week through to yesterday morning will surely make the Barbados Turf Club’s ninth day of the second season an intriguing and unpredictable one at the Garrison Savannah today.
From a punter’s perspective the BTC Fraternity Raceday which starts at 3 p.m. could see some long shots prevailing in the seven races to be contested under less than favourable conditions.
However, some horses love soft conditions but handicapping horses on a soft track usually brings several variables into the equation. There is more moisture underfoot, puddles in certain areas, and of course the track advantage where many believe that the middle and outer part of the course is best.
Conditions should change as the day goes on. If there is sunshine, the surface will dry out but at the same time the track will deteriorate as the ground takes a battering from hooves that bring clumps of mud.
Certain bloodlines perform well on wet tracks while others hate to contend with the mud flying in their faces.
Considering the Savannah will be soft for today’s encounters, the chances will be enhanced for a number of horses that had given no indication of form for some time.
Race seven, the Inyouvations Trophy Handicap over 1 100 metres for three-year-old horses rated 87-110 and also open to horses rated 86 and below will see speed queen Seattle Sunshine looking to make it five wins in a row.
She has the class, right attitude and temperament, while Iamsogroovy and Lune De Barachois will challenge.
Along with the winner’s trophy, Inyouvations managing director Robert Corbin will also donate a complete range of Bath and Body Works products from the store to the most successful trainer, jockey and groom based on an accumulated points system.
In the first race, the Thoroughbred Breeders of Barbados allotted weights race over 1 100 metres for West Indian-bred two-year-old maidens could come down to a fight between Conway, Zakattack and Dance Daddy Dance.
In the second race, the BTC Owners and Trainers Handicap over 1 570 metres for horses rated 55-75, the top picks are Grace Chapel, Zaltarr and Victor Ludorum.
Cinnamon Jane, Lady Quill, Indanger and Island Memories are the ones to follow in The BTC Members Handicap over 1 800 metres for horses rated 80-100 and also open to horses rated 79 and below.
In race four, the BTC Racing Fans Handicap over 1 800 metres for three-year-olds and older maidens, top billings should go to Pun De Line, Trinidad Dreamer, Effectivo and Furious.
Race five, the BTC Registered Grooms Handicap over 1 100 metres for non-winners of three and non-West Indian-bred maidens, Woman Is Boss, Alina and Sail On are the leading contenders.
In the day’s final race, the Barbados Jockey Guild Handicap over 1 570 metres for horses rated 30-55, expect Something Happenin, Whatadeal, Super Dancer, Just Jiving, Iguazu and Diving Destiny to battle it out.
My Picks
Race 1: Conway
Race 2: Grace Chapel
Race 3: Cinnamon Jane
Race 4: Pun D Line
Race 5: Sail On
Race 6: Seattle Sunshine
Race 7: Something Happenin
