Millenium Reign should not be missed

TRAINER John O’Brien has found a good opportunity at Santa Rosa Park today for Millenium Reign to get off the mark this season.

Due to a lack of success over the last seven months Millenium Reign escaped being higher up in the weights for today’s Allowance feature on the Arima Race Club Day 17 programme, and the son of Freshly Squeezed should seize the opportunity to regain winning ways. The 1750 metres spotlight event was probably on the agenda and it could prove to be the ideal race to boost his confidence. And with champion trainer O’Brien’s team beginning to show signs of firing after a lean spell, can open his winning account for the 2003 campaign in the seven-horse contest worth $23,000.

Man Of Class continues to perform consistently in pattern company and must be considered the most serious rival to Millenium Reign in the staying contest. All his races this season have been over sprints. The last of those, just a couple of weeks ago saw the Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj-trained five-year-old finish a good second to Sugar Mike. Even allowing for the fact that Man Of Class has been running consistently all season, going over an extended trip, which he has not done often and having to give eight kilos to the 2002 Royal Oak Derby winner looks a tall order. Morgan Heritage performs well on the main course and over a distance of ground and is taken to complete the trifecta.

The improving Bound To Dot Com can give O’Brien a double by landing the West Indian-bred three-year-old maiden race, the supporting event on today’s 10-race programme. The gelded son of Freshly Squeezed/Rockette did not race as a juvenile and was given a gentle introduction in March this year, followed swiftly by two more learning experiences in April. This chestnut was then given a five-week rest then sent a signal that his forte is staying, with a powerful run from the back of a 12-strong field last week to snatch the runner-up spot behind Millenium Dancer. He will know a lot more about the game for that run, and given more acreage to gallop on, looks ready to turn in his maiden certificate.