OVER THE LAST DECADE AND A HALF, the fillies have definitely had their say in the Jewels of the Barbados Triple Crown.
As a matter of fact statistics show they have struggled in the second jewel, the Midsummer Creole Classic over 1 800 metres, entering winner’s enclosure on four occasions. On the other hand, they have done much better in the first and third jewels the Barbados Guineas, 1 570 metres, and the Derby, over 1 800 metres, securing seven wins respectively. During the time span mentioned above in the Guineas, the following horses were successful, Victoria Regia, Lady Constance, Zouk, Fresh Milk, Amamyara, Slip Stream and Nekitta.
Past Derby winners from the same time span are Pan Woman, Mirabel, Zouk, Fresh Milk, Leave It To Me, Kendal Moon and Bandera Bell. Is this a reflection that we have been producing better fillies or are they simply more advanced at that stage in their careers than the colts and geldings?
With this year’s Triple Crown edition set to roll off in less than a week, the fillies have once again dominated the colts and geldings thus far. The score line reflects 16 wins for the fillies against nine for the colts and geldings. Only five horses have won two or more races – three fillies and two colts.
Fillies
Spearheading the list is Halle Rose who to date has racked up four straight wins from her six career outings. She has shown lightning speed from the gates, which separated her from her peers on debut.
Although her breeding suggests she should get the Guineas trip, her last two efforts have left a few questions about her chances in the Triple Crown. The main one being whether she has enough stamina to be a serious factor.
Poetic Licence has gradually worked her way to the top of the class with four wins in seven track appearances. After feeling the fury of Halle Rose she then torched the colts and gelding before proceeding to school Halle Rose and the highly thought of English Rose in the Caribbean Horse and Grand Stand Posse Fillies Trial.
She just seems to be getting better with every run and the authoritative manner of her last success no doubt separates her from the others. Of the other fillies, both English Rose and Alley Cat thrice entered the winner’s enclosure while sprinting.
The aforementioned in her first attempt over the distance simply had no answer to the electrifying burst from Poetic Licence but will be better off for that experience, particularly as the Classics surge ahead. Alley Cat does give the impression that sprinting will be her strength at this point in time.
Colts and geldings
Howulikedisname rolled off back to back successes at the distance early in his career to be the leading contender; he has not been the same horse in his last two starts, finishing down the field, one of those performances at the hands of Poetic Licence. The burning question now is can trainer John D. Chandler completely revive his sudden lost in form? Thismeanswar has improved with every start to become one of the leading contenders going into the first jewel. All indications and breeding suggest he will see out the trip; what has been very pleasing from his perspective is his grit and determination to overcome any obstacle. Who will draw first blood in the Guineas? The answer beckons on Tuesday, April 28, National Heroes Day.
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