Captain Bligh back for RJR Classic
published: Tuesday | July 22, 2003
THE SEVENTH WAVE, one of three winners for champion jockey Trevor Simpson, is clear of rivals in the closing stages of the eighth race (Claiming $210,000 $180,000) over the straight five course at Caymanas Park on Saturday. - Michael Sloley /Freelance Photographer
A LARGE and competitive field of overnight allowance horses is expected to contest the fourth running of the RJR Classic over 1500 metres at Caymanas Park on Saturday.
Among the expected starters is last year's winner CAPTAIN BLIGH from the stables of in-form trainer Anthony "Baba" Nunes.
Owned by Derrick Brandt, the 4-y-o bay gelding by Schism out of the Best Reason mare Hnauska is coming off a recent win in the Frankie Frazer Memorial Cup over 1300 metres on June 28 and could well start favourite in a bid to repeat.
In addition to CAPTAIN BLIGH, others expected to face the starter are the American 3-y-o colt FORGOTTEN HERO and YOUNG FOR ALL, both from the stables of champion trainer Wayne DaCosta, PHAREAL and REJECT, both trained by 13-time champion Philip Feanny, as well as BROADWAY BELLE, PROMINENT, DR. R.S.F., RIVER JORDON, SHAHID, VIGILANTE and PREMIER SOLUTION, among others.
CAPTAIN BLIGH and the lightly raced FORGOTTEN HERO, who has been working well in preparation for the race, should carry the bulk of the betting, both having won on their last appearance. However, there should be good support for PHAREAL, PROMINENT and YOUNG FOR ALL. Total purse is $440,000 - up from $365,000 last year.
