Orville Clarke, Freelance Reporter

MR BLAIR, running as the 4-5 favourite with Shane Ellis riding for trainer Noel Ennevor, romps the sixth race for The EPhone Keep Di Link Trophy over 1400 metres for maiden three-year-olds at Caymanas Park, last Saturday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

THE big event at Caymanas Park today is the 69th running of the Bigga Jamaica Oaks, to be contested by a maximum field of 16 native bred three-year-old fillies over 2000 metres.

In a year of talented three-year-olds, this Oaks ranks as one of the best in many years. It has attracted the first five past the post in the April 5 Jamaica Licensed Bookmakers 1000 Guineas, including the winner ALSAFRA and the runner-up IS IS I, both of whom were engaged in a stirring last furlong duel that day.

It again promises to be close between the two principals, but the race is not necessarily confined to this pair, as the respective Guineas third and fifth place finishers, HEART OF GOLD and AHWHOFAH (who was a beaten favourite in the season's first classic), will have lots of supporters.

Bulk of the betting

Both ALSAFRA, to again be ridden by two-time champion jockey Brian Harding for trainer Fitznahum Williams and the Anthony 'Baba' Nunes-trained IT IS I, with title-chasing jockey Shane Ellis back in the saddle, will more than likely carry the bulk of the betting.

However, there should be good support for the stable-companions HEART OF GOLD and AHWHOFAH to be ridden by champion jockey Omar Walker and title-chasing jockey Dane Nelson, respectively. Both are conditioned by champion trainer Wayne DaCosta, who last won the Oaks with SWING BY in 2006.

After winning the Thornbird Stakes (Guineas trial) over 1400 metres on March 15 ahead of her fast-finishing stable-companion HEART OF GOLD and the front running ALSAFRA, AHWHOFAH could only manage fifth under an indifferent ride from Nelson in the Guineas.

Seven-furlong gallop

Having looked real sharp at exercise in a seven-furlong gallop with HEART OF GOLD last Sunday morning, AHWHOFAH can definitely rebound, given the milder pace of today's race.

HEART OF GOLD, who was backed down to the 9-5 second favourite in the Guineas, ran a bit below expectations in finishing 6-1/2 lengths third. She found herself badly outpaced for most of the way, but was noted making late headway and the additional two furlongs of the Oaks could be just what the doctor ordered.

DaCosta disclosed that HEART OF GOLD was affected by a back problem going into the Guineas, but this could be rectified in time for today's race.

In the Thornbird Stakes, ALSAFRA could only manage third when ridden by the apprentice Oral Bennett. Connections subsequently took a decision to fly in Trinidadian jockey Brian Harding for the ride and this paid off handsomely.

The win provided trainer Williams, who controls a small string of horses, with a memorable classic - his first - and the trainer is confident that ALSAFRA can deliver the goods once again.

After the Guineas, Harding con-fessed that if they had another circuit of the track to run, IT IS I could not have passed his mount.

With the Oaks expected to be run at a milder pace, this should suit ALSAFRA (working well) down to the ground.

By Legal Process out of the 2007 champion broodmare Tee Gee Vee, this half sister to last year's Superstakes winner MAJOR MAYER should relish the longer distance and despite the sound claims of IT IS I, AHWHOFAH and HEART OF GOLD, ALSAFRA is preferred.

Lady Geeta Trophy

IT IS I, who races in the familiar chocolate and white silks of Barbadian owner Elias Haloute, has not only worked well but should be cherry ripe after two runs this season. She is sure to prove a tough opponent once again, but ALSAFRA looks the gutsier of the two and therein lies her appeal.

I also like in-form RAMPAGE to win the Lady Geeta Trophy, CAPTAIN BONE in the third, TESSANNE in the fourth, HONEY BUNNY in the ninth, ARIZONA SUNSHINE in the 10th and SUPER DAVE to make all in the nightpan.