Top Of The Class for Clasico

TRIPLE CROWN winner Top Of The Class may get a chance to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the Clasico Internacional del Caribe in Puerto Rico on December 7. But that chance will only be possible if owners and  trainers with runners in the Caribbean Champion Stakes and race sponsors Carib Brewery accept proposals put forward by Arima Race Club president Gerard Ferreira. Ferreira said yesterday it is a ticklish situation but he is hopeful of a favourable response from all concerned, since it is a chance to put Trinidad and Tobago racing on the world map again. The ARC boss said he had written Caribbean Development Company (Carib Brewery) asking that they consider bringing forward the Championship Stakes Day  by one week. He asked that the race day planned on the racing calendar on November, 29 be staged on November 22 instead.

But the sponsors had already earmarked November 29 to promote a Trinidad and Tobago Day at Woodbine Racecourse in Canada, on which the feature Champion Stakes would have been simulcast live on their programme. Ferreira said he expects a written reply from the sponsors today. He said he had also spoken to some owners and trainers with runners in the Champion Stakes about the idea, but still has to get them to agree on a refund of their subscriptions paid in the event. Ferreira said he held discussions with trainer Glenn Mendez and part-owner Rupert Leong Poi who both showed interest in the move. “Once we get the all clear it will give Top Of  The Class a chance to compete in both events,” said Ferreira. Ferreira said Leong Poi had an opportunity of  having a runner in the Clasico previously, and  thinks his Triple Crown winner will give Trinidad and Tobago a chance of  lifting the top prize in the event for the first time ever. Trinidad and Tobago’s best finish in the Clasico was fifth and also in Puerto Rico, when Royal Colours, ridden by Venice Richards made a powerful stretch bid and featured in a photo-finish in the race won by Guaybanex in 1982.