SINGINGINTHERAIN, with in-form Paul Francis aboard, gains the ascendancy over the pair of PLEASURE FLIGHT (Rayon Wilson) and DOLLA WIN (Devon A. Thomas), to score a 7-1 upset win in the seventh race for native-bred four-year-olds and up (non-winners-of-three), over 1600 metres at Caymanas Park last Saturday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Down-in-class RICKAYBA should make amends for his narrow defeat to GETAWAYBOY on January 3 by winning the Colin Melhado Memorial Cup feature (claiming $270,000-$240,000) over 1200 metres at Caymanas Park today. Post time is noon.

Trained by Ryan Darby for O'Shaun Connection, the six-year-old gelding ran a brave race from in front in the Altamont V. Armond Memorial over 2000 metres recently, only to be caught close home by the highly fancied GETAWAY BOY, this at gigantic odds of 63-1.

Having advertised his well-being, RICKAYBA will prove harder to beat despite the reduced trip. The son of Latin Charm-Northern Path is still comfortable when sprinting and, with connections opting for joint leading rider, Paul 'Country' Francis, replacing Robert Stewart, the hint should be taken.

Slowly into stride

Although having a tendency to be slowly into stride, RICKAYBA has beaten better in the not-too-distant past. He ran SEA DA BREEZE to half a length over 1300 metres on a $390,000 claiming tag back in September and, now running for $270,000, should prove too strong for HARMONICS and the free-running TRACK STAR in the seven-strong field.

HARMONICS, who was caught on the line by DESIGNED FOR LUCK over 1500 metres on January 1, is fit as hands can make him and should prove a tough opponent from the convenient mark of 52.0kg with champion jockey Omar Walker again in the saddle.

HARMONICS has the pace to run with the leaders coming out of the home turn and will more than likely get first run on RICKAYBA into the straight. It should come down to a duel between the Darbys - Ryan posting RICKAYBA and his farther, Robert, saddling HARMONICS. I am expecting RICKAYBA to prove the stronger in deep stretch.

Elsewhere on the 10-race programme, Walker, who has some live mounts lined up, should win the third race over 1100 metres (overnight allowance) aboard the very fit MARK TO MARKET, for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta.

MALARIA ALERT

After winning easily over 1200 metres in restricted company on December 10, MARK TO MARKET was not disgraced when finishing fourth to stable companion MR. SKILL in a fast-run 1200-metre race on January 3.

Meanwhile, chief medical officer, Dr Sheila Campbell Forrester has advised that races at Caymanas Park is on as scheduled today.

According to Dr Forrester, after having received the cooperation to test persons at the track and to carry out vector control activities, the Ministry is satisfied that the event will not pose a risk to anyone.

"We are, however, taking the necessary precautions and have decided that races will end at 4:30 p.m.. This leaves ample time for persons to leave the area as the Anopheles mosquito that transmits the malaria disease usually starts biting between nightfall and dawn," she said.

Firm fancies - YOSHI, JOHNNY APPLESEED, SATISFIER and ROYAL MAJESTY to stave off ECSTASY.