SPRINGHEAD’S RACING SENSATION Zoom is expected to return to his winning ways today by capturing the feature race, the Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Sprints Stakes And Trophy over 1 100 metres at the Garrison Savannah.
The Gay Smith-owned 2011 Sandy Lane Gold Cup winner returns from a well earned rest and should take his five opponents to the cleaners in this Grade III event for Barbadian-bred three-year-olds and older horses.
While the afternoon’s feature looks predictable, one race almost guaranteed to cause a headache finding the winner is Race 4, the Sky Beauty Handicap for three-year-old and older horses rated 30-50 over 1 800 metres.
Jamaica Moon, Grenadilla and Fernandina were all winners of their last starts. What makes the race even more interesting is that it is the second race of the afternoon’s Pick 4, which has a carryover of $11 256.
With the last two races of the Pick 4 being the easier parts of the puzzle, the above-mentioned race appears key to success. Conditions and staying ability appear to be the most important factors that will affect the final outcome of this race.
In that regard, Proud Bajan is the best stayer in the field, but his form is not superior to his rivals. But in his favour is the fact that his past record shows he has campaigned against much better opposition. I give him the nod for the victory.
Fernandina’s second career win came at today’s trip against horses rated 13-35. Needless to say the conditions were perfect for her – soft.
She then had a hard-fought victory against horses rated 23-45 over 1 570 metres. On form, she is still favoured to be around at the finish.
Consistent
Since returning from Trinidad and Tobago, Grenadilla has changed hands and has been showing new signs of life. He has been very consistent at the minimum and middle course distance but appears too close in the weights to Proud Bajan.
Jamaica Moon prevailed when least expected; even more shocking was that he won at 1 100 metres. His record at this trip is horrible plus lack of class will prove his undoing.
Four other entrants – Atomic Bomb, Whatadeal, Grand Slam and Fuh Real – appear live, although one could argue that their best distance would be the 1 570 metres.
Atomic Bomb put in a sterling effort last try against 38-60 rated horses over 2 000 metres. However, he will have to return a similar performance to factor.
Whatadeal ran a nice race last effort when holding second place in a sprint event. He is the lone speed in the race and could be looking to pull an upset.
Grand Slam is a steady one-pacer, and if there is no true pace he could very well find himself in the driver’s seat.
Fuh Real should not be totally ignored. Her form, like that of some others, has been nothing to scream about, unless she meets conditions in her favour – which most likely will not happen this time.
MY PICKS
Race 1: Cabin Boy
Race 2: Wild Fire
Race 3: Heavenly Angel
Race 4: Proud Bajan
Race 5: Ocean Storm
Race 6: Zoom
Race 7: Discreetwon
Race 8: Capere
