THE EDITOR, Sir:
PREPARATIONS FOR the Rich 2002 GE Super Stakes is getting on in earnest and the horses are getting into full gear for this prestigious event.
The starters for the premier event are as follows. The top weight PNP to be ridden by two-time champion jockey P. Patterson, #2 is JLP with former two-time champion Eddie Seaga, #3 NDM to be piloted by one of the two female jockeys H. Bennett. Last but not least the ever-improving three-month-old filly UPP to be partnered by new kid on the block A. Cardenas.
I wish to start my preview with the big horse PNP. This champion stayer has not been seen regularly on the exercise track and from all indications the report on this horse is not very encouraging. PNP is plagued with unsoundness and in recent times has picked up a virus called NHDC. Which the trainer Henry-Wilson says might very well hurt the chance of him winning his fourth straight Super Stakes.
Separate and apart from that, words on the ground from avid punters is that consistent jockey P. Phillips would be better suited in the saddle, than customary rider Patterson, virus or no virus. However, inside sources close to the connections express desire to stick with the champion jockey, forecast odds 6/1.
Horse #2 JLP with the very popular Eddie Seaga aboard. This chestnut gelding is noticeably very busy on the exercise track, fresh from his resounding victory over arch rival PNP in last year's renewal of the by-election handicap and is raring to go again. Suffered a slight setback in his preparation for this. It was alleged that he contracted a foot-and-mouth disease called Hangdem, but has recovered quite nicely thanks to his vet Dr. A. Shaw. JLP is well in at the handicaps, loves the journey, and will put up a grand performance. Forecast odds 3/1.
Of the others NDM and the three-month-old debutante filly UPP all came up short on their campaign and on that basis won't be able to stay the trip of a mile and half and on that merit they won't be able to separate the two veteran campaigners, so I have to rule them out. Both at odds 99/1.
In the final analysis, PNP is a lame and disoriented racehorse who is susceptible to disease and virus and reports reaching this writer is that he won't be able to recover substantially from the virus NHDC in time for the event, and so cannot be trusted and on that merit he can't get my vote.
My automatic choice has to be JLP based on his fitness and exercise report. One would hope though that he will remain sound leading up to the event, if he does that then JLP is a Five Star Banker.
Catch you at the races. Over to you P.J., fly the gate.
I am, etc.,
ERROL 'RACING GINIGOG' HOBSON
Spanish Town
St. Catherine
