Maurice Bryan (left) sponsorship and promotions manager Digicel, hands over the new Derby Trophy to Milicent Lynch, executive manager, marketing Caymanas Track Limited at yesterday's launch of the 87th running of the premier classic at Caymanas Park. The Digicel Jamaica Derby is scheduled to be run on Saturday, June 2. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
TWELVE STARTERS have been declared for the Labour Day Trophy (high claiming) over 1200 metres at Caymanas Park today, and from all indications, the down-in-class JACK BE GOOD looks the one to beat.
The well-supported holiday card comprising 11 races also features raceRace No. five in the CTL Claiming Series ($210,000 - $180,000) over 1100 metres along with the restricted allowance III for the Master Blaster Trophy over the straight five course to be contested by 12 starters including lights QUEEN OF MY HEART, ASKAWOMAN, DEVIL WOMAN and JET BLASTER.
JACK BE GOOD has lowered his sights to vie for this trophy, dropping from open allowance to high claiming, and is expected to start a firm favourite in a bid to win his second race from his past three starts.
The five-year-old bay gelding from the stables of Wilfred Chin finished last of nine behind hot favourite ALLIEDFORCE over the circular nine course on May 5, but did show up prominently for a long way before weakening rapidly and should welcome a return to sprinting.
Before that, on April 28, JACK BE GOOD outfinished the speedy TOOT DI HOOT over today's trip, beating him by a head in overnight allowance company, this under top weight of 57kg.
Cut above the rest
A speedy sort, JACK BE GOOD is clearly a cut above high claimers and with connections opting for his April 28 winning rider Trevor Simpson, the hint should be taken.
The son of Pat N Jac out of the 1999 Oaks and Derby winner Good Prospect can expect worthwhile opposition from the fit and consistent SATISFIER, RIGMAROLE, ASTRO CRUNCH, ESTOY LISTO and especially CIRCLE DROME who, like JACK BE GOOD, is down in class today.
The five-year-old grey horse has been well drilled in preparation for this trophy and having notched his last win over this trip in a dead heat back in January, the task at hand is not beyond him with title chasing jockey Paul Francis aboard.
JACK BE GOOD to win from CIRCLE DROME and SATISFIER is my idea of the outcome.
The Master Blaster Trophy race over the straight has also attracted 12 starters and this should prove an interesting contest with recent winners ASKAWOMAN, DEVIL WOMAN, QUEEN OF MY HEART and QUEEN TAMARA ready to rumble once again.
Good contenders
The race is not necessarily confined to this quartet, as others such as JET BLASTER and WILD AT HEART are not without chances in a race of this nature.
Trainer Dwight Chen holds a strong hand with ASKAWOMAN, JET BLASTER and DEVIL WOMAN, who was an upset winner over the course some weeks ago with five-time champion Trevor Simpson aboard.
On this occasion, Simpson has elected to ride ASKAWOMAN, the horse he won aboard at 1200 metres earlier this month. With Simpson electing to ride the speedy ASKAWOMAN, the hint should be taken, but QUEEN OF MY HEART beat her so convincingly over 1100 metres five weeks ago, that the latter looks the right choice with only 52kg.
I also like BLUE MAGIC in the second race, JADORE in the third, ROMEZ in the fifth and WINNING MESSAGE over RUCKUS in the CTL Claiming race.
