Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
In a tremendous last furlong duel, RUM TALK (No.1) responds to a strong ride from five-time champion jockey Trevor Simpson to win the $1.1 million Governor General's Stakes over 2000 metres by a neck from ALLIEDFORCE (right, Omar Walker) and the 1-2 favourite MIRACLE MAN (Brian Harding), between horses, at Caymanas Park on October 15 (Heroes Day). Trained by Philip Feanny, RUM TALK won at odds of 2-1.- Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
Trainer Philip Feanny holds a strong hand with ISLA and OUTFITHER in today's restricted allowance feature (non winners of three) over 1200 metres for the Royal Crest Trophy, to be contested by nine starters.
Both three-year-old fillies are coming off recent wins, OUTFITHER landing the Dr. Ralston Feanny Memorial Trophy over 1100 metres (non winners of two) in fine style on September 22, and the lightly raced ISLA scoring decisively over the straight five course on October 6 in the fairly good time of 59.2.
While OUTFITHER has been looking a bit sharper at exercise, ISLA, being lightly raced, strikes me as the one with more scope for improvement.
She looked improved when overcoming a slow start to win over the straight last time out and will report even better for this race.
mended nicely
ISLA was unable to go the early pace after being slowly into stride, but mended nicely from fourth passing the quarter pole to grab the lead approaching the distance, winning by a length but with a bit in hand.
Prior to her last race, ISLA powered home by all of 11 lengths from RIGGED TO WIN in an 1100-metre maiden race on June 23 in the fairly good time of 1:07.3. Back in action from the convenient mark of 50.0kg and smart apprentice Javour Simpson again in the saddle, the Royal Minister-Catch The Rumour offspring should take a lot of beating.
She can expect stiff opposition from stable companion OUTFITHER, the mount of Canadian-based Jamaican jockey Kirk Johnson, as well as THANKSWITHASMILE who chased home MAGIC MOMENT over 1300 metres last Saturday and the improving stable companions CLUB FOURTEEN and JET SKIER, both American bred three-year-old colts from the stables of Tony Kirlew.
CLUB FOURTEEN was highly fancied to win over 1400 metres under champion jockey Brian Harding last Saturday in non-winners of three. But after leading under pressure into the straight, he gave way a furlong out and was relegated to fifth as the lesser fancied of the two, JET SKIER, ran on strongly to finish only a length fourth in a blanket finish to SLOGAN.
CLUB FOURTEEN, in particular, should welcome the shorter distance and is definitely worth another chance with a trophy at stake. Along with the very dangerous OUTFITHER and the very fit THANKSWITHASMILE, he should ensure that ISLA does not have things too easily.
Other firm fancies on the card are the well-forward 2-y-o SPACEMAN to make a winning debut in the first race, OK BABY in the second, RAINBOW TRAIN in the fifth, JADORE in the seventh and recent winner ROMEZ to repeat at the expense of PASSA PASSA, TOOT DI HOOT and FREE FALL in the knotty overnight allowance sprint.
