Heavy downpours midweek that drenched the turf will make conditions less than favourable today at the Garrison Savannah.
While it will be detrimental to some horses, chances are it will certainly enhance Mingun Temple in the BTC Stayers Handicap over 1 800 metres.
This race is the ideal opprtunity for several horses to rekindle their fledging careers as many of those entered have struggled throughout the year to string together good performances in this class.
Ageing, injuries and pedigree limitations are some of the reasons for this lack of consistency.Â
And so, this race appears to be fairly wide open.
The A. Marshall-Way- and Helen Spencer-owned Mingun Temple showed potential and promised a lot early on before being sidelined by injury.
His last effort was an extremely encouraging one when he finished third behind Barbados’ two top horses – Shared Adventure and Aristodemus. Continuing on that path could see him landing his first win in almost three years.
Indanger looked destined for good things before an injury, but his return to form was signalled when he defeated horses rated 75-95. This was followed by a pair of second-placed finishes against 80-100 rated horses and at today’s penny stamp, he could be high voltage.
Erados has not set the world alight since his victory in the BTBA Bonaventure Garrison Turf Stakes and Trophy. His trainer Edward Walcott places his horses very carefully and this one is a live outsider.
Show Me The Money will be expected on the front end. As he ages, racing is getting harder on him and this has been reflected not only in his sporadic performances, but appearances.
Discreetwon is one seeking to rekindle his form after an operation. He could use some more time but loves the distance.
Graeme Hill’s last win was the 2011 Coolmore. His form reached rock-bottom, then injury set in and his comeback efforts have been disappointing, to say the least.
Jakesam came with a decent reputation and was a non-factor against 90-110 horses. This steep rise up with the top-rated will require plenty more effort, while he still appears in need of more time.
Daga is yet to run back to her Gold Cup effort this year. Her last effort was inexcusable and today’s assignment of 130 pounds looks to be another tough one although she carries her stable’s best chance.
Zoom ran a very impressive race in finishing fourth in his last start. Age is certainly a critical element of his staggering form. While many believe he holds the stable’s chances, it’s my belief his performances are going to be good, few and far, in between tries.
Indian Officer can be considered one of the babies of this field. After a promising start, he found himself going in the wrong direction in recent times. A bad habit of breaking from the starting gates late seems to have crept into his game plan, a negative he can’t afford.
My Picks
Race 1: Victoria Alexandra
Race 2: Ting A Merry Slew
Race 3: Kariba Rose
Race 4:Â Cabin Boy
Race 5: Fernandina
Race 6: Meteorite
Race 7: Mingun Temple
Race 8: Angelic Peace
