It’s a bit early, but the next race day is all about love in the air.
The Barbados Turf Club is set to stage the Valentine’s Race Day, the fourth day of the first racing season, tomorrow at the Garrison Savannah.
With a scheduled start time of 1:45 p.m., the eight-race card will feature the Valentine’s Day Handicap over 1 100 metres for four-year-old and older horses rated 120 to 140 and will also be for horses rated 119 and below. It is the afternoon’s penultimate race.
Race six, the Aphrodite Handicap for four-year-old and older horses rated 52 to 70 and also open to horses rated 51 and below, will run over 1 570 metres and has the makings of a good appetizer.
Gay Smith’s King Of The Jungle, a recent winner, and Vandross owned and trained by champion Victor Cheeseman, share the top impost of 128 pounds and both have an excellent chance.
Gold Mine, a winner two races back, will share 125 pounds with out-of-form Zouk’s Girl.
The former, after a creditable fourth-place finish, endured a rough time at the start in his next scheduled outing which resulted in his being a late non-starter. The latter has encountered a hat-trick of fifth-place finishes.
Winners of their last starts, Something Happenin, 122 pounds, and Wild Orchid, 118 pounds, are expected to give another good account.
One speed event that is guaranteed to set the tone for the featured speed fest is race five, the Cupid Handicap over 1 100 metres.
A field of eight horses will contest this race for four-year-old and older horses rated 65 to 85. The one they will be gunning for is Sir Charles Williams-owned Vapour Trail, who shoulders 130 pounds.
Her previous unbeaten streak was snapped by Iamsogroovy. She should report much fitter for this encounter and will prove tough to turn back. Rickoshey and Rahy Stormello are both slated to carry 128 pounds, and they also share the identical poor form which will encourage one to look elsewhere for a winner.
Danny Crane and Sweet Bottom Sarah are in top form and only one pound separates them at 122-121. Both could make their connections proud with another sublime performance.
Indian Officer and Little Man Arran look set to fight it out for the Sweetheart Handicap, which will see eight horses competing over 1 800 metres.
The Joanne Parravicino and Shaun Meil-owned Indian Officer takes 128 pounds while seeking to make it win number two in three starts.
Little Man Arran and stablemate Graeme Hill are pencilled in at 124 pounds. Little Man Arran’s form is reasonable without being spectacular. However, he cannot be written off in this company.
The latter’s form is a mere reflection of a horror movie.
Captain Sully, down to carry 119 pounds, will give value for your money, while Galaxy could make amends for his poor showing as beaten favourite and take advantage of his 110 pounds.
