Get Smart And Lucky at Arima

SMART AND LUCKY looked star material when hacking up on his debut on the main course at Santa Rosa Park, Arima last term, and can continue his with victory on the grass today, third of the new racing season.

The John O’Brien-trained colt can confirm sprinting is his game by slamming some tried and tested rivals in the Starter Allowance feature on the Arima Race Club nine-race programme. Smart And Lucky made a belated racecourse debut in October but it was well worth the wait, as the son of Dance Brightly/Rare Indication trotted up by seven lengths from Senor Gucci in the 1000 metres contest. His time in the seven runner maiden handicap for imported horses spoke volumes as it was a full second faster than previous joint record holders Coney Island, Vandross, Double Helix, Trouble Rips It and Infallibility. He broke smartly in the dash and after racing on the pace quickened impressively to win with something in hand, a repeat of that run should see him take today’s top prize. But today’s encounter on the inner circuit would not be as easy for the Jean Khan-owned colt since he would be clashing with members of the older generation who are noted for maintaining their speed from start to finish.

Song Of Freedom is one such animal in today’s nine-horse race. This five-year-old holds the course and distance record and will strip fit for the battle, as he was being prepared by trainer Grant Lourenco to travel to Barbados to compete in the Sandy Lane Spa Sprint before a decision was made to withdraw. Lovely Honoree is another in the line-up which could set quick early fractions. The four-year-old filly from Harold Chadee’s barn comes into the contest with a fast drill under her belt and if she could get the lead from her inner draw this might prove hard to peg back. The West Indian three-year-old event, which acts as the supporting race  on today’s programme will also be very interesting, as it brings together a number of juvenile stars from the past season.

Pave The Way, winner of the champion two-year-old colt award at last month’s Jetsam Award, could well be expected to head the market. The St James Stakes winner has been holding his own on the gallops with some of the leading lights of the stable and should not be opposed. Trini To D Bone who captured the fillies award, the improving Java Takeover and Born To Charm are taken to fight out the runner-up spot in the 1350 metres contest, which could shed some light on the Guineas.