THE CHASE for the training honours in the Barbados Turf Club’s second racing season has reached boiling point.
Richard Deane is trying to overhaul reigning champion Victor Cheeseman and gain his first seasonal title. But his bid is likely to come to an abrupt halt in today’s feature race – The Sale Graduates Championship Stakes over 1 570 metres (weight for age) at the Garrison Savannah.
Cheeseman, who leads the standings with earnings of $321 855, will saddle favourite Sirius Black in the event for Barbados-bred three-year and older horses (sales graduates preferred).
Sirius Black has been in devastating form ever since placing second in this year’s Tanglewood Stakes & Trophy.
He has reeled off two wins and a second place in moving his overall record to seven wins from 15 starts and is almost certain to further enhance his trainer’s reputation with another victory.
Deane, with earnings of $310 732, will send out Markos, who has been in phenomenal form since his maiden victory.
Markos has claimed a hat-trick of wins going into today’s race and although he is not in the same class as the favourite and a few others, he commands respect based on his progressive improvement.
The form of Janak’s Gold compares favourably with Sirius Black and Markos and he will be a lethal threat.
A win here would be most welcomed by rider Reshawn Latchman, who will need a dream day in the steels in order to snatch this season’s jockeys’ title from long-time leader Anderson Trotman.
Last year’s Derby winner Knight Rider has not won since Boxing Day when he stunned the mighty Shared Adventure but he could still play a part here.
Cinnamon Jane scored a womanlike victory in her most recent start. She always has been competitive among this field and can find a place, especially once she improves more.
Vanity Affair, who has been very consistent when meeting locally bred horses, returns to her preferred trip. On the flip side, since moving from Cheeseman’s stable, she has not entered the winners’ enclosure.
Run For Your Money now looks to be heading in the right direction but beating this company is another matter.
It is also left to be seen whether Lune De Barachois has any more surprises left in her after shocking Shared Adventure.
My picks
Race 1: Lucky Adventure
Race 2: Alila
Race 3: Summer Again
Race 4: Corvette
Race 5: Late Bid
Race 6: Sirius Black
Race 7: Kamezetta
Race 8: Super Lady
Race 9: Iamsogroovy
