All systems are set.The horses are fighting fit and in fantastic form; all looking to capture the 61st Barbados Guineas.
The first jewel the Barbados Triple Crown, an event for West Indian-bred three-year-olds over 1 570 metres at allotted weights, is the premier race today at the Garrison Savannah.
Twelve of the finest three-year-olds in training will vie for honours in Race 7 on this eight-race card.
Despite the encouraging and sublime form of all entered it certainly has the makings of atwo-horse affair, at least on paper.
The incredible colt owned by Lord Michael Taylor – Istanbul – looks set to eyeball Sir Charles Williams’ feisty filly Kendal Moon for the top prize.
Istanbul, with the most decorative resume of six wins from ten starts, has defeated the leading contenders here and once again looks invincible.
Noticeably he touched off Kendal Moon by a neck when they met in the Guardian General Insurance Breeders’ Stakes and Trophy over today’s trip. Another win here will confirm it was no fluke.
Kendal Moon tasted defeat at the hands of Istanbul but it was an extremely gallant effort that could have gone either way with a little more luck.
Going here she is lightly raced and has fresh legs. Additionally, Kendal Moon’s first-call rider Trotman has elected to stay with her.
Lord Michael Taylor and trainer Anderson Ward have four other entrants, to complete a record five-pronged attack in this classic.
Reprise will lead the back-up contingent after her maiden victory in the Diamond International Mont Blanc Doue condition race over 1 570. She was then beaten into third place behind Istanbul and Kendal Moon. It will take something very special for her to reverse positions.
On form, Vitality and stablemate Island Memories look evenly matched especially since Vitality turned the tables on Island Memories when they last met in the Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Breeders’ Stakes and Trophy, also at today’s trip.
These two could battle once again for the minor positions. The final entrant for Blue Diamonds Stables – Must Be The Money – could find himself out front doing rabbit work as his form is the least enticing.
Sir Charles’ second runner, the fleet-footed Slip Stream, is expected to make it hot up front. A repeat of her last race day performance will not come as a surprise all things being equal.
In that race the Realtors Limited Trophy condition race over 1 100 metres, she sped from the gates but ran out of steam in the homestretch. Slip Stream, very much like Must Be The Money, could wind up doing job work.
The field is complemented by Jack Is Back, Verizon, Wingman, Ocean Pride and Sweet Bottom Suzy – all worthy opponents despite venturing into the lion’s den.
My Picks:Race 1: Atomic Bomb; Race 2: Uncle Jerry; Race 3: Byhookorbycreek; Race 4: Whatadeal; Race 5: Charge It; Race 6: Unreal; Race 7: Kendal Moon; Race 8: Slammin N Jammin.
