Indian Officer one to watch

IF?INDIAN?OFFICER could defy the top weight of 130 pounds and win the Season Greetings Handicap over 1 800 metres. It will surely be the season to be jolly for owners Joanne Parravicino and Shaun Meil.  
Indian Officer is expected to star in the feature event for three-year-old and older horses rated 70-90 and also open to horses rated 69 and below today when the Barbados Turf Club stages the Christmas Season Raceday at the Garrison Savannah.
He has a knack of finishing strongly in his races which suggests he would appreciate the longer trips.  
Yet his last six attempts at this trip have yielded best place finishes of three thirds, two fourths and a fifth.
One rating point separates the Blue Diamond Racing duo of Captain Sully and Rickoshey. Captain Sully’s last win at this distance was against horses rated 65-85 back in June while his other two attempts resulted in unplaced positions.
While his form is scratchy, the fact that he will play a leading role in the pace scenario makes him lethal. Rickoshey’s form is reasonable and since he has never beaten this field, he could be rewarded with a position at the lower end of the purse.
Cabin Boy, winless in this company and at this distance will have to take advantage of his penny stamp if he is to secure his third career win. Trainer Andrew Nunes has three horses entered in this event.
Roars, who is bred to stay the distance, has won twice at this distance. In his last effort, however, he has been found wanting in the class department. He was beaten in a race for horses rated 60-80 that was won by stablemate Grace Chapel.
Bandera Belle is winless at the distance and since her Derby success, a number of runs have resulted in a drop down the rating scale. She will be looking to wind down the year with a good performance.
Grace Chapel has also slipped down the rating with a solitary win and a third-place finish against her name in her latest outings. Her chances would be further compounded if track conditions are good.
Santa Claus could sing Jingle Bells for trainer Victor Cheeseman on the final day, providing he holds on to his leading position for the trainer’s title. Cheeseman’s two runners here – Vandross and Zaltarr – have excelled this year.
Vandross recently defeated Bandera Belle at this distance but he seems to be outclassed, whereas Zaltarr, despite his formidable form, could have problems staying the distance.
My picks
Race 1: Appealing
Race 2: Wishes Well
Race 3: Stratfords Lad
Race 4: Glamorous
Race 5: Sweet Bottom Sarah
Race 6: Fernandina
Race 7: Cabin Boy
Race 8: Chachapoya