Post Gold Cup action let-down can always be expected when races return to the Garrison Savannah after the big day festivity, and tomorrow is not likely to be any different.
Gold Cup runners Campaigner’s Gold and Won Grand, who contested the big event last race day, will return to action in the 1 570 metres feature, the Louis Corbin Memorial Handicap at 4:10 p.m.
Campaigner’s Gold, the CTA Stable owned gelding, appears to have the upper hand in this event for horses rated 110-82 and lower.
Having attended the early fractions of the Gold Cup, he now races off a mark 18 pounds lighter, and at this middle distance, where he is favoured to get the better of Won Grand, who finished ahead of him two weeks ago. She ran above expectations in the March 3 pattern event and has won at this trip before.
It’s no secret that Won Grand prefers the 1 800 metres trip and has always done exceptionally well when facing the starters with light weight as is the case here touring with 110 pounds minus seven for the claim. Stablemate of Campaigner’s Gold, Stolen, and Won Grand stablemate Janak’s Gold are strong contenders.
Stolen and Janak’s Gold took their chances on Gold Cup day in the 2 000 metres Tanglewood Stakes, where Stolen came home second to the invincible Northern Star. Once she can reproduce that effort she will go close. Janak’s Gold failed to secure a place position in that race, after returning to action from a six-month layoff.
He travelled well in the race until the tempo increased leaving the three-furlong pole. Refire faces the starter here, having recorded a workmanlike win just over a month and a half ago, while the out of form Voldemort completes the field.
The eight-race programme, dubbed Honouring Former Barbados Turf Club Employees Raceday, offers several other exciting races.
In another 1 570 metres race, King Of Cool, who slammed a field last time out by a double-digit margin, seeks a brace in the Antonio Corbin Memorial Handicap for horses rated 70-52.
Ceroc and Javalier, neither of whom had the answer to King Of Cool, will look to reverse places now the trip is shorter. This race is closely handicapped and should be a thriller.
Last year’s Midsummer Classic winner Oberoi is without a win since and may want to use this opportunity to show why he won that event over the distance.
He showed good speed in the Tanglewood and any repeat of that run could see him back in the winner’s enclosure. My Man Gone West hardly runs a bad race among this crowd while some consideration can be given to Fleurette.
In the day’s third race, the Oscar “Locke” Padmore Memorial Allotted Weights Race, Jackmannygap again looks the one to beat, but has always found a way not to enter the winners’ circle.
With that in mind, Gandalf, who despite still racing very green, is capable of turning in his maiden tag once he get his race together. Imagine That, Lady Jazz and Jaytees Angel have all shown glimpses of ability and are going in the right direction. (LY)
My picks:
Race 1: Lollipop
Race 2: Summer Again
Race 3: Gandalf
Race 4: Captain Hastings
Race 5: Miss Megyn
Race 6: Campaigner’s Gold
Race 7: Oberoi
Race 8: Waverin
