WITH a carryover of $218,000 propping up tomorrow's Racing Pools game, a first prize of $500,000 looks a real possibility.
The programme kicks off with a 2-y-o maiden special over 1400 metres in which the Percy Hussey-trained PEACE & LOVE could be used as a banker. The bay gelding ran on strongly (after suffering early interference) on September 9 when finishing 2 1/2 lengths third to RAKKADASH and subsequent winner MILLIMETRE in the valuable Dewhurst Stakes over 1300 metres.
With less to do in present company, PEACE & LOVE under in-form Charles Hussey should prove too strong for L.S.C. CHOICE and CHAPSIE, both of whom have shown good ability.
Next on the programme is Division I of a $100,000 claiming race over the straight five course to be contested by 11 starters. With most having won races this season, it promises to be one of the most competitive on the programme, what with MAC THE KNIGHT, T.N.T., ROYAL CRUISE, CHAMPION GIRL, JUST DO IT, CRIMSON TIDE and QUICKEN AWAY all having sound claims.
CHAMPION GIRL, who loves the straight, beat JUST DO IT into third place when scoring over the round five course on September and is back with a sound chance especially over the straight course. JUST DO IT, who enjoys the straight, will also be bang in contention from her favourable high number draw, while fleet-footed T.N.T. along with MAC THE KNIGHT and QUICKEN AWAY, both winners in recent months, should make their presence felt.
While having every respect for T.N.T., CHAMPION GIRL and JUST DO IT, I prefer CRIMSON TIDE who chased home SUB ZERO over 1100 metres last Saturday in a fairly good time. The five-year-old mare acts well over the straight and with her well being exposed, is given the edge over T.N.T.
Race number three, a Restricted Allowance II (non winners of two) for native bred three-year-olds over 8 1/2 metres, sees a rematch between MISSISSIPPI MARCH and DESPERADO, second and third respectively to PRINCESS AKEEM over 1500 metres on October 16.
While MISSISSIPPI MARCH is 1.0kg better off at the weight for having finished 1 1/4 lengths ahead of the late closing DESPERADO, I believe the latter can turn the tables given the additional 200 metres. The race is not necessarily confined to this pair, as the recent winner UNBRIDLED NUMBER and FIGHT FOR LIFE (both improving), along with WILD MEDIC and SUPREMACY are not without chances.
The consistent INGENIUS gets the ideal trip in the fourth race and should catch VOLCANE and HAIL TO GLORY in the field of six. Despite the small field, GONE SOUTH and SURFACE TO AIR are also capable of winning and I would advise punters to approach this race with caution.
The straight five specialists WILD TRAVELLER (speedy) and MASTER BLASTER (strong finisher) should fight out the finish of the fifth race, while DR. PEPPER should make amends for his near miss against WINLOC SUPERSTAR on October 16 by winning the sixth race. His twin dangers are SILVER PATRIOT and ONE SON, while HELLO BABY (apparently slumming) is one to watch.
The last two races should be won by DEPUTY'S REPORT (now back in Jamaica and working exceptionally well) and the recent runaway winner BRINGTHEMONEYCOME, who is prepping for the November 11 Red Stripe Superstakes.
By Orville Clarke
Freelance Writer
SELECTIONS
(1) PEACE & LOVE/L.S.C.
CHOICE/CHAPSIE
(2) CRIMSON TIDE/T.N.T./
CHAMPION GIRL
(3) DESPERADO/MISSISSIPPI
MARCH/WILD MEDIC
(4) INGENIUS/VOLCANE/HAIL TO
GLORY
(5) WILD TRAVELLER/MASTER
BLASTER/RESTLESS FIRE
(6) DR. PEPPER/SILVER
PATRIOT/ONE SON
(7) DEPUTY'S REPORT/OWEN TAY
LOR/SPECTACULAR RUN
(8) BRINGTHEMONEYCOME/
CIELO MYSTIQUE/MEDICAL
KARAMBA
