Noble out to make amends

Can the John D. Chandler-owned and trained Noble Intent redeem himself and keep alive his hopes of becoming Barbados’ next Triple Crown winner?
In order to do so, he must avenge a defeat at the hands of Lavani as well as turn away the challenge of ten others in today’s feature race at the Garrison Savannah: the Grade I – Midsummer Creole Classic for West Indian-bred three-year-olds allotted weights over 1 800 metres.
This will be no easy feat, however, as most of these three-year-olds venture into untested territory for the first time and today’s route will truly test their stamina or lack thereof.
This race looks fairly wide open especially after Noble Intent’s last defeat as raging hot favourite to rank outsider Lavani. To counter that fiasco, Chandler has swiftly taken corrective measures for today by employing the services of champion jockey Anderson Trotman.
Noble Intent, who won the first jewel of the Barbados Triple Crown, the Barbados Guineas over 1 570 metres, has a style of running from the front that should complement jockey Trotman very well, but he will need some kind of a master plan as this will be no easy task.
Lavani must now command all respect after that exhilarating performance. While it was a monster move by jockey Antonio Whitehall that brought home the bacon, this combination will have to excel once more if they are to take the top spot.
For that stunning effort, Lavani goes into this race as the only horse to have completed the 1 570 metres trip under 1:36 seconds flat; tactics here remain paramount to a repeat success.
Voldemort has not put a foot wrong in his last four starts and has been on the improve with every start. As one of the few horses who had a trouble-free trip in the first leg of the Triple Crown, he will need to find more in order to close the gap.
In The Pink, after rediscovering her form, now seems back on track. Her second to last effort was laden with interruptions. However, there could be no such excuse for her second-placed effort last start other than tactical errors by today’s rider. If all goes well you can expect her to be close at the finish.
Princess Di has not delivered on her early initial promise and she will have to improve significantly on her last showing if she is to have an each-way chance. Kamezetta gives the impression she will stay forever. Her class remains questionable but she is not without a chance.
Belly Dancer’s connections, having paid a penalty for a test of this magnitude, do suggest they believe she is capable of better.
Jasmine disappointed at this trip last outing and this assignment could be intimidating. Even Stephens will have a bit to prove in a race of this nature. It is hard to envisage Conway winning unless he finds instant improvement. Super Lady appreciably has more to prove than most.
My Picks
Race 1: Halle Rose
Race 2: Marcus Antonius
Race 3: Decisive David
Race 4: Late Bid
Race 5: Shared Adventure
Race 6: Open Secret
Race 7: In The Pink
Race 8: War In Gunsite