An action packed 10-race card awaits racing enthusiasts attending the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup Day tomorrow at the Garrison Savannah.
The sixth day of the Barbados Turf Club’s first racing season will see three Grade I races – the 32nd Barbados Gold Cup, the 10th Sandy Lane Spa Sprint and the 11th Tanglewood both Stakes & Trophy races, the latter two over 1 100 and 2 000 metres, respectively.
Thousands will be there especially to witness the Gold Cup for three-year-olds and over at weight for age over 1 800 metres. The race is set for 5 p.m.
They can also expect the customary pomp and pageantry from the Sandy Lane Majorettes and performances by the Royal Barbados Police Force Band and other entertainers.
The racing action will kick off at noon with the Threehouse Club Trophy for three and four-year-old horses rated 45-65 over 1 570 metres.
The Joanne Parravicino-owned Seattle Sunshine (123) impressively handed in her maiden certificate by taking the Daring Dan Condition race over 1 100 metres. She can expect stiff competition from Shared Decision (128) and Late Bid (121).
West Indian-bred maidens will have their say in the Villa at Sandy Lane Trophy which has been divided into two groups of ten.
In Division ‘A’, Wild Orchid, (118) owned and trained by Andrew Nunes will fight this race out with Anskar and Cottage Cove, both handicapped at 123 pounds respectively.
In Race 3, Division ‘B’, Furious (123) should put Blue Diamond Racing on the scoresheet. However, Foxy Browne and Alila, both shouldering 118 pounds, will be no walkovers.
The Bajan Blue Restaurant Trophy Condition race is guaranteed to be a breathtaking clash with the fillies Nekitta, Vanity Affair, Koh-I-Noor taking 118 pounds against Cabin Boy, Khartoum and Flying South carrying (123), respectively.
Race 6, the L’Acajou Restaurant Trophy Handicap for five-year-olds and older horses rated 47-70, goes over 1 100 metres.
Stephen Kellman’s out of form Greeley Gone West (114) and Byhookorbycreek (119), though likely to be long shots, could surprise all.
The more fancied Between The Sheiks (127) and Golden Moment (128) are expected to be involved.
Budding riders will showcase their developing skills on the big stage before the Gold Cup in the Green Monkey Trophy Handicap. This field will be travelling 1 800 metres.
Aysha Syndicate’s Northern Sheriff (118) and Gay Smith’s Angelic Peace (120) look tough to oppose.
Consideration should also be given to Connell Town (114), Serenity Storm (130) and Jamaica Quill (110).
The curtain event is the Country Club Trophy Handicap for four-year-old horses rated 75-95 over 1 570 metres. Should the Lewin Godding imported Modimo (130) fail to land a spot in the Gold Cup, then he can send a message with a win.
Indanger (117), Iamsogroovy (117), Kingdora (112) Fusaichi Ridge (113), Charge It (125) and Captain Sully (121) will all want to welcome him with a baptism of fire.
