Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

RUM TALK faces a simple task at Caymanas Park today when he takes on three opponents in the L.R. 'Bob' Mayall Memorial Trophy grade-one feature over 1600 metres.

From the stables of 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny, the five-year-old bay horse, who won the Guineas and St Leger in 2007, left us on a winning note April 18 when strolling home by 10 lengths from REGAL SELECTION in the Legal Light Trophy over 1820 metres on what was his seasonal debut.

Driving finish

Prior to that, RUM TALK defeated the 2008 Superstakes winner AD INFINITUM in a driving finish in the valuable Harry Jackson Memorial Cup over 2400 metres last Boxing Day and is in line for a hat-trick of wins today.

Although set to carry top weight of 58.0kg under leading all-time jockey Winston Griffiths, RUM TALK (working well) is by no means overburdened in this small field, as his two main rivals appear to be sitting too close to him.

CHADMAN, who won a number of grade-one races under heavy impost last season, has been struggling to regain form this season and despite that improved run behind disqualified winner TOBAGO over 1400 metres recently, should be hard pressed to beat RUM TALK in receipt of only 1.5kg.

Noted sprinter, MEDICAL REPORT, represents the genuine speed in this small field, but he has never been effective over a mile and should be caught by RUM TALK in the straight. And PRIME MINISTER, though fit and pretty light following that close third to TOBAGO recently, lacks the class of the others and winning looks a tall order.

RUM TALK, therefore, is a firm fancy to complete a hat-trick of wins, at the same time strengthening his claim as the top distance horse in the country at present.

Also on the 11 racecard is the three-year-old and open allowance race over 1200 metres in which the talented four-year-old gelding COMMANDER ZERO will prove hard to beat in a small field of six.

Trained by reigning champion Wayne DaCosta, COMMANDER ZERO is unbeaten in two starts this season, winning the Easter Sprint Cup over 1100 metres in the smart time of 1:05.1 on April 13.

Having worked worked exceptionally since, it will take a brave punter to oppose COMMANDER ZERO with champion jockey jockey Omar Walker taking the ride. His main danger must be the down in class ROMEZ, who finished a close fourth to champion sprinter AHWHOFAH in the recent UBA Sprint for grade- one horses.

Other firm fancies on the card are CHANGE THE RULE in the second race, IT IS I in the fourth, CHINA TOWN to rebound in the sixth, BLUE MARLIN in the seventh and VONALMIGHTY to lead home BROTHERLY LOVE in the closing Track Price Plus Dig Out Handicap.