Gandalf could be the one

Who will be victorious in the First Jewel of the Triple Crown – Barbados Guineas? Will it be Brave Star or Gandalf when action gets underway at the historic Garrison Savannah Saturday for the handsome purse of $54 750.

Bills Inc. two colts Brave Star and Gandalf, trained by Victor Cheeseman are the most favoured to capture the top two position in the 1 570 metres Classic. However, in a race of this class there is no doubt that all the connections of the other entrants will be turning out their charges in top shape to be crowned in glory.

“Stealin” the 4:20 p.m. feature from these two will be no easy task, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t happen as racing is known to throw us plenty surprises every so often. Cheeseman’s pair was simply awesome in trotting up to the winner’s enclosure in their last track appearances.

While there is not a lot to separate the pair, an indication as to who might have the edge can be taken from the choice taken by top jockey Jalon Samuel, who partnered both to victory in their last start. Top riders tend to make the correct call when pressed to choose between two good horses most of the time.

Samuel surely demonstrated that perfect judgement in the Gold Cup, when switching from dual defending champion Dorsett to Sir Dudley Digges, though the choice was not from the same stable. Therefore his opting to stay with Gandalf, although somewhat surprising given his erratic temperament, is guaranteed to bring out the best in Samuel and has to be respected. (LY)