GOOD CITIZEN, with apprentice Ansley Dancel aboard, holds off AD INFINITUM (Doushane Gordon) to win The Viceroy Trophy for Grade One horses over 1820 metres at Caymanas Park on Saturday. Owned and trained by Carl Anderson, the American-bred filly provided Dancel with his first winner. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The recent runaway winner NAVAJOJOE is tipped to repeat this when he takes on six opponents in the annual renewal of the Monica Todd Memorial Cup (claiming $180,000), over 2000 metres at Caymanas Park today.

Ten races were originally slated, but the opening maiden condition race for four-year-olds and up was abandoned due to insufficient starters. As a result, the nine-race programme commences at 1:20 p.m.

The card also features race No. 31 in the popular Track Price Plus 'Dig Out' Handicap which offers bonus incentives to owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms. The 1700-metre race for three-year-old maidens has attracted 13 starters, including top contenders SIRLEIGH, SEGURO ORO and SKIP TO THE BEAT.

Meanwhile, NAVAJOJOE, who provided female apprentice rider Georgina Sergeon with her first winner in a 1800-metre race on September 12, is expected to start a firm favourite in the Monica Todd Memorial Cup.

Stiff opposition

Although running out an 11-length winner last time out, NAVAJOJOE can expect stiff opposition from MAMBO, FRANKIE MOREFIRE and SIMPLY AWESOME.

MAMBO advertised his well-being by chasing home RISTO-CAT over 1500 metres on September 23 and should welcome the longer distance. With his connections opting for champion jockey Omar Walker, the hint should be taken.

FRANKIE MOREFIRE caught the eye on September 5 when a fast-finishing second to CHARLIE CHAPLIN over 1200 metres and now apparently sound, could score his first win in well over a year.

SIMPLY AWESOME won the Independence Day Stakes Trophy over 1600 metres on August 6 and despite three below-par efforts since, is worth another chance with a trophy at stake. Connections have secured the services of the promising 4.0kg claiming apprentice Richard Mairs, reducing the weight to 49.5kg, a handy mark from which to strike.

Good condition

While each in their own way can be conceded a chance, NAVAJOJOE, who bids for his fifth win of the season, has so much in his favour that he ought to be followed.

Trainer Barrington Rambally obviously has the eight-year-old son of Natural Selection-Sweet Desire in good condition and judging from the manner in which he put away rivals on a $210,000 claiming tag recently, will prove hard to beat for $180,000.

Connections have quite rightly gone for a competent claiming apprentice in Jevvanne Erwin, reducing the gelding's weight to 53.0kg. Having beaten better in the not-too-distant past, NAVAJOJOE looks the right choice. MAMBO and FRANKIE MOREFIRE should complete the trifecta.

Other firm fancies on the card are SEGURO ORO to stave off SIR LEIGH and SKIP TO THE BEAT in the closing Track Price Plus 'Dig Out' Handicap, POINT AND CLICK in the first race, BLONDIE BLONDIE to go one better in the fifth, TIMOTHY SCOTT to upstage JET SKIER in the seventh and SMOOTH DIAMOND in the eighth.