Some serious horse racing questions could be answered in Barbados tomorrow.
A frequently asked question is whether importeds are better than creoles.
The results from tomorrow’s Coo Bird Handicap at the Garrison Savannah will further add to the debate. The feature race for three-year-olds and older horses will be run over 1 800 metres.
The highest rated horse entered has a rating of 115, and if any of these animals are going to go on to win big races like the Coolmore “Home Of Champion” Stakes & Trophy or the Gold Cup, a definitive statement can be made here.
Daga spearheads the field of importeds, shouldering 130 pounds. She reeled off six straight wins between ages two and three, where she looked destined for the top bracket. However, she laboured some time for her seventh career success.
With the premier race in the Caribbean, the Gold Cup, beckoning early in 2014, Daga has to stamp her authority on this crowd.
Little Man Arran (110 pounds), ran gamely last effort but has regularly shown a lack of class in beating horses rated 100-plus.
Mingun Temple (119) like most, started well, but a few injuries now sees him playing catch-up.
The much-talked-about Jakesam (110) has run out of trial and errors, and needs an outstanding performance tomorrow.
Indanger’s (111) form will please his connections, but he too has been affected by injuries, and he needs to prove he is better than this bunch.
Giovedi’s (123) early promise has been plagued with gate issues and hence he seems way off his game.
Trying to fill the shoes of a Coo Bird, Apostle and Areutalkintome is no easy feat, but creoles Kendal Moon, Lune De Barachois and Erados can all enhance their career records and in the process start to build a reputation in tomorrow’s feature.
Kendal Moon (117) is in good form and has been around long enough. It’s time she adds to her lone success against the top-rated animals. She has what it takes to prove her worth.
Lune De Barachois (110) is easily one of the most consistent mares in the game, but it may be a question of the distance more than anything else regarding her possible performance.
Erados’ (113) form does not inspire confidence, but he is, however, overdue a good performance.
Along with the feature, another attractive race is the Oba Dove Condition Race for West Indian-bred two-year-old maidens going 1 100 metres. Nobel Intent (121) and Appealing (116) seem the most logical favourites.
Nobel Intent’s impressive attempt to make all the running saw Jasmine run by and deny him his maiden win.
Appealing made a courageous effort to break Kariba Rose’s unbeaten streak and any repeat of that performance could see her in winner’s enclosure.
While the others failed to make a favourable impression, first-timers Tempest and My Pal Jack, taking 121 pounds each, Peaceful, Coral Lady and Cote Du Rhone, all first-timers shouldering 116, are worth a look in.
