‘Talk’ tipped for Breeders’

ONE OF THE smallest fields of the season is set to contest the feature race of the Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Race Day at the Garrison Savannah on Saturday.A mere five horses are entered for the 13th running of the Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders Association Sprint Stakes & Trophy for Barbados-bred three-year-olds and over going 1 100 metres.In the feature event, which offers prize money of $20 000, the Saffie Joseph Jnr-owned and trained Areutalkintome looks head and shoulders above his rivals, and despite the joint top weight of 132 pounds, should stamp his authority and improve his record to ten victories from 14 career starts.Although his last sprint victory at the trip was on November 21, 2009, Areutalkintome ran a grand race in his last start, narrowly failing to hold off Preach To Me in the Hallway Feeds Race 13 Trophy, going under by a head.The Edward Walcott-trained Super Star is also at the top of the handicap with joint top weight of 132 pounds and is the major threat to Areutalkintome.Super Star is a very consistent sort, and has recorded victories over the distance. However, against the top class he has been a modest performer.A fourth-place finish in the Sandy Lane Spa Sprint was disappointing, and to add, he was unplaced in the T.A. Tommy Peirce Memorial Trophy Handicap going 1 570 metres.The Christopher Gibbs-owned Dark Knight (117), has not won since he took the Galileo Handicap going 1 100 metres against horses rated 81-105. The four-year-colt has been unplaced in his last four starts, and connections could expect a place at best.Different classThe Gay Smith pair of Erados and Mystical Magic, who each carry 117 pounds, complete the field. Erados was an impressive second in the Altman Real Estate Trophy Handicap going 1 100 metres but will find this field a totally different class. Mystical Magic has been away from the track for a long period, has no claims to being a sprinter, and cannot be recommended.