No outstanding three-year-old for classics

The situation was compounded on Saturday at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, when raging favourite Greek Princess could only finish third in the Gleneagle Stakes or Fillies Guineas, the longest distance the three-year-olds have gone to date — 1800 metres.

Last year’s two-year-old boss All For Java appeared to be carrying the pennant when winning for the sixth time in as many starts at the opening of the year.

The son of Java In Style/Set All whipped stablemate Greek Princess by three and a quarter lengths, while giving the filly 6.5 kilos in the First Citizens First Classic Trophy over 1100 metres.

Then everything seemed to have turned ole mas’ when the Shaffique Khan-trained gelding could only manage third behind Greek Princess and Sara’s Music in the Royal Colours Classic over 1350 metres.

Subsequent to this run, All For Java was allegedly diagnosed with a slightly injured foot and has not been seen since He is expected to return in August for the Midsummer Classic, however.

Greek Princess was made favourite for the Republic Bank Ibis Stakes for fillies only, and was beaten into third by Magic Moments and Angel Of Music with sky High fourth. With All For Java sidelined, Sara’s Music whom he beat every time they met, took care of the colts and geldings in the 1350 metres Republic Bank Flamingo Stakes by a neck over Jacobite.

Greek Princess was again made favourite for Gleneagle Stakes on Staurday last and was beaten into third by Angel Of Music and Sky High with Magic Moments finishing down the field in the 1800 metres race.

Also on Saturday, however, Jacobite passed the post first a short head over Windjammer only to be denied his second career victory following an objection which saw the stewards place him second.