Mouth-watering flavours will be served on today’s Realtors Limited Race Day card, and racing enthusiasts should have their appetites satisfied.
By 3:40 p.m. race fans will be focused on checking to see whether the sensational, undefeated filly Stealin’, can extend her record by adding the feature Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Breeders’ Stakes & Trophy to her list of victories.
The action at the Garrison Savannah rolls off at 1 p.m., with a bumper crowd expected.
The action will reach a climax a little over an hour later, and the atmosphere should be electric, as two star performers, Northern Star and Infrared, finally meet in a long anticipated showdown. This is a heavyweight fight, and Northern Star is tipped to deliver the knockout blow.
In the feature $33 536 attraction for Barbados-bred three-year-olds over 1 570 metres, John Marc Cozier’s Stealin’ will be targeted by eight others, of which six are winners. These include Jericho, My Friend Patch, Quality Star, Don’t Doubt Doris and Intethestorm.
Stealin’ who was very explosive in collecting her third straight win last time out, really looks close to invincible. However, today’s beaver trick attempt will not come that easily, especially if Jericho replicates the blistering speed he showed last start when he demolished a maiden field, winning by nearly a dozen lengths.
Also challenging for honours will be the unbeaten colt My Friend Patch, which in his only start, earned a workmanlike victory when scoring over today’s distance. That win can in no way compare to those of Stealin’ and Jericho, as he ran very green.
Yet, he still had the sense of awareness to successfully complete the job. He figures to improve immensely and have a say in the final verdict.
Both Quality Star and Intethestorm have won at the distance. It must be noted, however, that following Quality Star’s blitz of three wins in four starts, he has been soundly beaten by Stealin’ a combined 23 lengths in their last two confrontations.
Therefore, for the rest of the field it looks a simple case of mission impossible.
In the 1 800 metres Coolmore Home Of Champion Stakes, Northern Star carries level weights for the first time with this company, while seeking a seventh straight victory.
Meanwhile, Infrared, which is yet to win a stakes race in six attempts, goes after redemption in this race. If it’s any consolation, three of his four wins against the top class have been at today’s distance.
Just A Fashion won this event in 2015 and 2016. In his last start, on Boxing Day, he showed his old front end speed and looked good getting back to the home stretch, only to run out of gas.
This is sure to be a tough battle and Just A Fashion will have to show improved form to stand a chance.
Marcus Antonius’ chances of causing an upset look slim. This is the season where everyone wants to think they have a chance; so punters should be on the hunt.
See you all – locals and visitors alike – at the historic Garrison Savannah. (LY)
My picks
Race 1: Sharjah
Race 2: Royal Flush
Race 3: Charles Fredrick
Race 4: Won Grand
Race 5: Ninepoint Six-Nine
Race 6: Jericho
Race 7: Danny Boy
Race 8: Northern Star
Race 9: Discreet Lass