We move from the strains of Barbados’ biggest, brightest singing pop sensation Rihanna to the loud hammering hooves at the Garrison Savannah today.
The island’s top equine athletes will seek to splash themselves to fame once again on the Barbados Turf Club’s seventh day of action.
Before the 27th running of the United Insurance Barbados Derby winner is known some will still be trying to recover from the results of the supporting feature – the seventh edition of the T.A. “Tommy” Peirce Memorial Trophy Handicap for three-year-olds and older rated 118-140, and also open to horses rated 117 and below, over 1 570 metres.
A field of ten horses is expected to face starter Mark Batson for this top class race. The Elias Haloute and Sir Charles Williams-owned champion gelding Apostle will throw down the gauntlet shouldering 130 pounds.
An easy winner of the Val Gale Cup over 1 800 metres, he will find track conditions not in his favour, resulting from a heavy downpour last weekend and midweek rains. He clearly does not act on soft terrain and should he take his position in the gates I don’t expect him to factor.
Under the expected conditions the one they will all have to peg back is the Melrose and Clifton stable-owned Rocamadour.
Prior to this horse’s last triumph in the Condominiums At Palm Beach Trophy over 1 100 metres, he torpedoed home in the mud by six lengths, claiming the 2010 Val Gale Cup for the top rated horses over 1 800. The apprentice claim makes him even more lethal.
All eyes will focus on Blue Diamond Stable’s vastly improved filly Daga who is at the top of her game having won her last six starts.
This 101-rated filly is down to carry the penny stamp of 106 pounds and steps out her class for the first time. Having won on a soft track before, one can’t question her ability and the loads of potential that she has clearly exhibited.
The unconventional conditions and the penny stamp she carries here are ideally suited for her to meet these proven veterans as her class will be severely tested.
Stablemate Show Me The Money will want to put his disappointing last effort behind him. This son of Kit Fisto will be partnered by English journeyman Paul Eddery in this event.
He has performed well under these conditions before and his trainer Anderson Ward should send him to the starter with his dancing shoes on.
Gold Cup winner Zoom will also want to put his last effort in the Val Gale Cup behind him. The son of Super Jeblar performs on all surfaces. His last win on similar conditions came in the BTBA (Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders Association) Garrison Turf Stakes and Trophy over 2 000 metres.
 He should not be ruled out.
John Brian makes his return to racing here after a short lay off. Though his performance on this surface is not flattering, he has not seen the weight of 114 pounds for eons. Whether that’s enough to help him, we just have to wait and see.
The others, Ring Time, Spicey Tiger, Bipin and Super Star, would be a surprise should one of them pass the post first.
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My Picks
Race 1: Divine Destiny
Race2: Royal Spirit
Race 3: Super Charge
Race 4: Midnight Express
Race 5: Sweet Enough
Race 6: Sea Gypsy
Race 7: Rocamadour
Race 8: Unreal
Race 9: Kendal Moon
Race 10: Fernandina
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