Can Zaltarr make it three wins on the trot?
The answer will come today when he lines up against seven other horses in the Grand Kadooment Handicap over 1 100 metres.
This is the night cap event for three-year-old and older horses rated 45-70 and also open to horses 44 and below at the Garrison Savannah.
The A. Bethel, S. Walcott, D. Bynoe and Sir R. Buchanan five-year-old gelding is trying not only for a repeat night cap success, but his seventh career victory in his 22nd start. Trainer Victor Cheeseman must be very confident with Zaltarr as he is responsible for half of his victories this year.
On the fourth day of this season, Zaltarr won the Midnight Tornado Handicap for horses rated 35-60, defeating opponents Bloumberg and Just U And Me, both of whom he spotted weight.
Further evidence of Zaltarr’s rich form was displayed when he closed out the fifth day’s proceedings with a devastating late burst in the Foyal Handicap for horses rated 55-80 to deny long-time leader Run Alke Run on the tape, both races were over today’s trip.
One of Zaltarr’s victims was Slammin N’ Jammin who was spotting the winner ten pounds. The terms on which they all face each other today are significantly in Zaltarr’s favour.
Zaltarr will receive a solitary pound from Slamming N’ Jammin while he hands Bloumberg eight pounds and spots Just U And Me a whopping 18 pounds. Although form looks like it can pull Zaltarr through, his handicapping suggests this could be his toughest assignment.
Glen Stables-owned Vandross returned to winner’s enclosure last outing with a workmanlike victory in the Secret Habitat Handicap for horses rated 38-60 over 1 570 metres. Also trained by Cheeseman, the six-year-old gelding made all the running with Bloumberg in his wake. If he pops out of the gates in front, the others might have problems getting by him.
Melrose Racing’s Slammin N’ Jammin didn’t seem to enjoy the conditions underfoot last start. Still closely monitored by the handicappers she has to make full use of the inside draw to maximize her chances.
Since a change of owner, Bloumberg has had only one bad performance, unplaced in his last effort in a race won by Vandross. He appeared uncomfortable on the heavy conditions throughout that performance. Factoring in a weight ease, his owner Mark Armstrong must be anticipating further returns on his investment.
A Team-owned Just U And Me looks like a ripe apple ready to be picked. A handicapper’s dream with the penny stamp of 108 pounds, he was an encouraging third in the Seeing Red Handicap for horses rated 25-50 over 1 100 metres.
Although the grade step might be a little steep, he will need to find a fair bit more.
Victor Ludorum has won at these weights before and is worth keeping a close eye on. I do believe he is still capable and it will be no surprise if this Philip Batson-owned and trained horse is seen tumbling at the end.
My Picks:
Race 1: Capere
Race 2: Cool Asa Breeze
Race 3: Sweet Enough
Race 4: Big Brother
Race 5: Volcanic
Race 6: Ifnottodaytommorow
Race 7: Slip Stream
Race 8: Vandross
