Bajan invaders take it easy

CELEBRATION TIME and Carnival Messiah starred on the gallops course at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday morning. But overall, trainers took things relatively easy with their runners. The Glenn Mendez-trained pair who hold engagements in two separate “big races” next month, literally lit up the gallops on a dull morning. Celebration Time whose main target is the Royal Oak Derby had Bonus Point for company, and the Midsummer Classic runner-up made light work of her companion posting 1:02.20 seconds for the 1000 metres run against her lesser stablemate who completed the trip in 1:03.40 seconds. Independence Cup hopeful Carnival Messiah clocked fast early quarters in his solo spin over the same acreage.

The 2001 triple crown winner felt the pressure of going too fast too soon and was slowing up near the line. Owned by Wilma Primus, the colt clocked 1:02.72 seconds for the run under apprentice Gary Laban. Barbadian runners who arrived here last week were seen out after the track was raked and graded, after the first session. With the exception of Notanothernoble who has no major engagement but flew across to join trainer Mendez’s stable, was the only member from the quarantine barn to do anything of note. The gelded American-bred three-year-old maiden, classified E2 in Barbados, showed a likeness for the sand in clocking 1:18.11 over the 1200 metres distance. All the other invaders chose only to acquaint themselves with their new surroundings. They were seen walking around the course. The trio of  Lion Country, Feet On Flames and Hard Dancer who have their sights on Monday’s Independence Cup, are expected to step up their preparations from tomorrow, when the grass course is made available to them.

Following are gallops recorded yesterday: 400 METRES - Politics - 28.99, pacing; Mayaro Breeze - 29.99, pacing;  Golden Boy - 29.93, pacing; Richie Rich - 27.17, handily.
600 METRES: - Too Sharp and J D’s Express - 36.17, ridden out; Sweet Tempo - 40.65, handily.
800 METRES: Gettesburgh - 59.92, pacing.
1000 METRES: Celebration Time - 1:02.20, good; Bonus Point - 1:03.40, good; Bajan Connection - 1:06.80, handily; Carnival Messiah - 1:02.72, good.
1200 METRES: Smooth Operator - 1:24.39, easy; Not Another Noble - 1:18.11, handil;. Movietoene Magic - 1:23.57, easy.