It is the day of reckoning for eight of the island’s top trainers seeking glory in the 73rd Barbados Derby at the Garrison Savannah.
Postponed from last week due to inclement weather, the United Insurance Company Race Day is set to start at 1 p.m. and the 28th United Insurance Barbados Derby has special meaning for trainers.
Only two of them have tasted Derby success. Challenor Jones has won five – with Paddy Bird (1987), Overdraft (1991), Winsome Lass (1992), Zarmela (1994), and Incitatus (1996).
He will be represented today by Devine Destiny whose best effort was her victory in the Carlisle Bay Handicap on the soft track over 1 570 metres. Jones’ winless streak over a decade in this event may continue.
The other successful trainer is Andrew Nunes, who scored with Apostle in 2007 and Kendal Moon in 2011. He will saddle Bandera Belle whose best effort was in the Lady In Red Handicap over 1 570 metres, coming in after Devine Destiny.
Roars is Nunes’ second entry. This full brother of 2010 Derby winner Leave It To Me has been very consistent. He won the Breast Cancer Survivors Handicap over 1 800 metres but disappointed in the Midsummer Creole Classic at the same distance.
Nunes has also entered Open Secret – her only score came via the Grand Stand Posse Paul Best Trophy Handicap Division-B over 1 570 metres. The daughter of 1993 Derby winner Secret Habitat managed a fourth-place finish in the Midsummer Creole Classic. She could help Nunes pencil his name back into Derby history.
Kenneth Stanton’s quiet demeanor as a trainer could come to an end once his filly Summer Time delivers. This winner of the Midsummer Creole Classic was very impressive and is highly fancied to thrust Stanton to stardom.
Roger Parravicino is represented by Mrs B and Chatter Box, the better of the two. However, after her back-to-back victories her efforts have been less than appealing. Mrs B tries hard but that simply won’t be enough to get the job done.
Victor Cheeseman handles popular favourite Aston Martin who has four wins. While he disappointed in the Midsummer Creole Classic, one can expect a fight from this warrior.
Anderson Ward’s hopes rest in pacesetter Run For Your Money and Rickoshey, who has really found favour with the handicappers, having won a five-furlong maiden race eight months ago and being hailed this country’s best hree-year-old.
Stephen Bynoe will send out Iamsogroovy – if she runs to form, it could mean some valuable hype for her stable.
Edward Walcott Jr could be sweet on Galaxy’s chances – he comes into the race fresh, having missed the Midsummer Creole Classic. This winner of one has been very consistent and could strike today when it matters most.
My picks
Race 1: Nekitta
Race 2: Dunwiddat
Race 3: Johnny Sad Boy
Race 4: Shared Adventure
Race 5: Zaltarr
Race 6: Daga
Race 7: Who’s Calling
Race 8: Open Secret
Race 9: Proud Bajan
