‘Messiah’ shapes up for Tangle Wood

CARNIVAL MESSIAH continues to look in good shape and gave another pleasing performance on the exercise course at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday morning.

The 2001 triple crown winner posted a comfortable 1:16.36 seconds for his solo run over 1200 metres to attain a “good” in the remarks column of the Arima Race Club official clockers report. Trainer Glenn Mendez used the main course to keep a number of his runners ticking over, and may have a race in mind for the Wilma Primus-owned colt before he leaves for Barbados early next month to compete in the Tangle Wood Stakes and Trophy event, one of the supporting races at the Garrison Savannah on Sandy Lane Gold Cup Day, March 6. First subscription fees were paid on Friday for Carnival Messiah to have another crack at the rich purses in the 2000-metres event in which he finished third last year. Also subscribing to the staying event at the initial stage was Golden Honour.

Second Chances and You’ve Got Mail were other members of  last year’s champion trainer stable to show some spark. The pair hooked up from the 800-metre marker on the back stretch and stuck to their guns to the winning pole in 49.13 seconds. Trainer Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj also had his runners out in full force on the morning. Love Till I Die and Sweet ‘N’ Beautiful went for a schooling session from the boxes and showed some fire between the 1200 and 600-metre poles which they covered in 35.06 seconds. Tea Time Doc and Copy Cat went at a handy clip, while Mister Hypocrit and Java Takeover were seen pacing.

Following are gallops recorded yesterday: 400 METRES: Mister Hypocrit - 29.99, pacing.
600 METRES: Love Till I Die and Sweet ‘N’Beautiful - 35.06, good (Boxes); X To Board - 39.93, handily. 
800 METRES: Golden Grades - 50.68, handily; Entertainer - 52.90, handily; Sweet Tempo - 57.87, pacing; Second Chances and You’ve Got Mail - 49.13, good; Tea Time Doc - 51.95, handily; Stormy Season - 56.06, pacing.
1000 METRES: Java Takeover - 1:14.97, pacing; Copy Cat - 1:08.97, handily.
1200 METRES: Sure Ting - 1:23.56, pacing; Carnival Messiah - 1:16.36, good.