G-day tomorrow

THE time when trainers hung over the rails with stopwatches in hand, and an eye on more than the fastest work of the day has ticked away. And that time spent searching for that elusive something with their classic contenders hoping they become special is also over.

Those efforts will either bring glory or sorrow tomorrow after the running of the Union Park Turf Club Easter Guineas, the spotlight event on the Arima Race Club Day 12 programme at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. In this compelling Grade One event, last year’s promising juveniles get ready to take their three-year-old steps on the road to the triple crown. The 1800 metres contest on the main track will have a maximum field of 16 runners. In that search for glory and possible stardom later on in the season, 15 will stumble along the road for a variety of reasons. The winner on the other hand will have a chance of making their connections proud, and also open up an opportunity to riches with the stakes and added incentives on offer for the two other legs of the tri-part series. “Now is the time to see how good they are.” said trainer Glen Mendez. “This is the first test, “ said the knowledgeable youngster. Mendez who conditioned Carnival Messiah to win the 2001 triple crown has three runners in tomorrow’s event. He targets the first leg of the triple with Celebration Time, Top Of The Class and Sweet Tempo.

Mendez said he was happy with his trio’s  preparation, so pleased, he anticipated the follow-up question as to which is his top choice, evading it, by adding, “It adds spring to your steps and make it fun to get up in the morning to do your job,” said Mendez. Based on past performances Celebration Time and Top Of The Class seem to be the most serious of Mendez’s three-pronged attack. Celebration Time who will be partnered by ex-champion apprentice Raymond Ganpath is a genuine performer. This son of Freshly Squeezed goes into tomorrow’s tough grind with a win and a rallying second place finish over a distance of ground.

Top Of The Class scored a pole-to-pole victory after a dismal performance on his debut. He was then beaten off from the top turn by Ichiban in the Royal Colours Classic and was not disgraced when beaten into fourth in his first try around two turns. Royal Flush is high on the list too. The Anthony Serville-trained gelding has all the qualifications to be the market leader in tomorrow’s event. His four wins is the most recorded by any of the runners, with the latest being an eye catcher, 50 metres short of the Guineas trip. Naturelly Classy has satisfied trainer Grant Lourenco and must not be ruled out. He lost his chance last time at the gates and this has become a worrying factor for Lourenco, who showed concerns for the slot five position from which he will start. “He goes into the gate without any fuss,” stated Lourenco. “But as soon as he is loaded he wants to get out.” Champion trainer John O’Brien who had five runners at the final subscription stage, will now saddle three runners in the event. His stock was depleted over the last two weeks with injury to stable stars Ichiban and Due Dilligence. So his hopes  now lie with Cornerstone, Hannibal’s Will and Isle Be There. Golden Honour and Super Grey have been showing up well on the gallops and are others to consider.