Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas guides ZUNZUN to the winners' enclosure after her narrow victory in the Rameses Trophy over 1600 metres at Caymanas Park last Saturday. Cardenas is down to ride ante-post favourite NAVAL COMMANDER in today's feature for the Abbie Grannum Memorial Cup. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

NINE NATIVE bred two-year-olds are slated to contest the Abbie Grannum Memorial Cup maiden special over 1400 metres, offering a total purse of $550,000.

The race is run annually in memory of the late, great Abbie Grannum who was champion trainer of Jamaica on seven occasions, including six years in a row from 1936 to 1941.

Of the nine declared, NAVAL COMMANDER, HE'S REALLY OK and THEREALPRINCE should carry the bulk of the betting, even though the debutante ALLTHEBEST, with former champion Trevor Simpson riding for trainer Tony Kirlew, seems forward enough in condition to prove competitive.

STRAIGHT FIGHT

It would appear, however, that the race will come down to a straight fight between NAVAL COMMANDER, to be ridden by the stylish Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas for trainer Percy Hussey, and the Fredrick Watson-trained HE'S REALLY OK with journeyman jockey Elvis Murray again in the saddle.

Both were fancied on their debuts last month, Ruth Hussey's NAVAL COMMANDER actually starting an even-money favourite for the Lester Saunders Memorial Cup over the distance on October 29, only to find one too good in MARATHON MAN.

NAVAL COMMANDER was void of early foot in the prevailing muddy conditions and when he realised what was happening, MARATHON MAN had stolen a march. Turning for home last but one in the nine-horse field, the son of Requete - La Grande Dame came home well to finish a clear second, 5 1/2 adrift of the winner.

Now, better for the experience and working really well in preparation for this trophy, NAVAL COMMANDER is afforded a grand chance of recouping losses.

HE'S REALLY OK showed promise behind smart FABULOUSCONNECTION in the valuable Hi-Pro Stables Choice Feeds Trophy over 1300 metres on October 20, making late headway to finish 7 1/2 fourth. The roan colt by He'stherealthing out of the Slick Trick mare Ok Mom looked well in his preparation and, coming from a favourable draw on the outside, will only go down fighting.

While I expect it to be close between the two principals, my preference is for NAVAL COMMANDER if only for the fact that the Husseys have been doing well with their two-year-olds this season.

I am expecting him to race a lot closer to the expected leaders EXPLOSIVE REPORT, under champion jockey Omar Walker, and ALLTHEBEST on this occasion and outfinish HE'S REALLY OK and THEREALPRINCE up the lane.

OTHER FANCIES

Other firm fancies on the nine-race card are unbeaten LITTLE WASP to complete the hat-trick in the third race for two-year-olds, consistent NATURAL ATLANTA to catch MISS ROSE in the fourth, MISS TIMS to repeat in the fifth and lightly weighted SMOOTHABILITY to catch OUTSTANDING and EXPLOSIVE PEAK in the open allowance race over the straight five course.