NEKITTA, winner of the first jewel in the Barbados Triple Crown, almost looks certain to add another 1 570-metre event to her résumé at the Garrison Savannah today.
The Lewin Godding-owned and Victor Cheeseman-trained filly will line up against eight others in the Barbados Fillies Guineas, a race for West Indian-bred fillies, around 4:20 p.m.
Nekitta looked in awesome form last victory when she put away all the leading contenders, many of whom are challenging her again here.
There may be some concerns about her outside draw but the fact she raced on the pace last time suggests that getting a nice position should not prove difficult.
Also in her favour is her almost unnoticeable turn of foot, which has been displayed from her very first start. With the Triple Crown very much on her radar, this is expected to be just another practice exercise.
Vanity Affair finished second to Nekitta in their last race and one may conclude that she succumbed to strange riding tactics. For her to swing the momentum back in her favour, she needs to have a say in the early pace scenario.
The Price Is Right was very highly respected in the Barbados Guineas when it was her first attempt at the trip and she should be much more fit on this occasion.
Sweet Bottom Sarah was third in that race, but it is hard to imagine her winning as her running style will see her outpaced early, leaving her with too much to do.
Woman Is Boss won in soft conditions and should improve as time goes on but an 11-pound increase in weight, plus the hike in class make her chances of winning a lot harder.
Zouk’s Girl impressively turned in her maiden certificate with the penny-stamp weight of 109 pounds but will have to improve immensely if she is to be a factor, as this will be the toughest field she has ever encountered.
High Tide has been fairly consistent thus far and has never run off the board in her four attempts at today’s distance. However, she appeared hard-pressed to place.
Ever since her maiden win, Alina has performed better against the imported horses but is not among the favourites.
Snow White took on The Price Is Right for the lead in the Guineas and trailed in at the back. A similar tactic could bring about identical results. My Picks
Race 1: Chachapoya
Race 2: Glamorous
Race 3: Sweet Bottom Suzy
Race 4: Lune De Barachois
Race 5: Tiny Tot
Race 6: Nekitta
Race 7: Golden Moment
Race 8: Local Speed