Hot crowd favourites Shared Adventure and Kariba Rose will command attention today in their respective races but interest will run even higher in the final race of the year, the Diamonds International/Crown of Light Boxing Day, at the Garrison Savannah.
Potentially with the exception of imported Lil Man Arran and Rahy Stormello, this field could be the crème de la crème of next year’s Tanglewood Stakes over 2 000 metres and it includes three of the top four finishers in this year’s United Insurance Barbados Derby, won by Knight Rider.
The race being contested over 1 570 metres is the Diamonds International/Day 2 Night Handicap which has the makings of a riveting spectacle with no clear favourite in this field of three-year-old and older horses.
Renowned speedsters Sirius Black – seeking a hat trick of wins – Run For Your Money, Captain Sully, Sweet Bottom Sarah and Slip Stream along with stalkers Little Man Arran, Lune De Barachois and Lady Quill are also very capable of factoring in the final outcome.
Run For Your Money turned in a winning performance over Slip Stream and if he can take control of the speed, he may not be caught.
Lil Man Arran is very much at home in this company and despite his vulnerable form, should not be overlooked.
Lune De Barachois hardly ever runs a bad race, hence her last try should be discarded. Many will agree this distance is her pet, and one can expect her to be very involved in the finish.
Cabin Boy’s record in his recent five starts reflects four trifecta finishes, and a repeat looks very much on the programme.
Captain Sully loves to dictate his own pace but he will first have to overcome his outside post position, then confront his more youthful opponents. It doesn’t appear a tough assignment on paper but could be daunting on the track.
Should Sirius Black’s winning streak continue, it will be a fantastic way for him to cap off a good year for both him and his trainer Victor Cheeseman.
Slip Stream has lost whatever speed she had leaving the starting gates and though settling off the pace is a viable option, there is still the issue of being able to finish with authority.
Lady Quill excelled with this crowd last year and though she is experiencing turbulent times at present, she could finish the season on a good note today.
Rahy Stormello ran well in his comeback race, but will be hard-pressed to beat this crowd.
Sweet Bottom Sarah continues to improve with every start.
High Tide’s form after recording her second career win has taken a severe nose dive and she appears in deep water here.
My Selections:
Race 1: Alina
Race 2: Memory Lane
Race 3: Taymar
Race 4: Marcus Antonius
Race 5: Wild Orchid
Race 6: Conway
Race 7: Between The Sheiks
Race 8: Shared Adventure
Race 9: Lune De Barachois
