Sagicor Cup runners on ‘easy street’

ALL the major contenders in the Sagicor Independence Cup took things easy on the exrecise course at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday, a sign that preparations have been completed and  runners are now on easy street awaiting the big test on Monday. But while that was the situation with the 13 top guns set to fire over 1850 metres on the turf, this was not the case with some lesser lights who were seen sharpening up to compete in the smaller events on the 10-race holiday card. Female Bandit  has been a big dissapointment in her races to date, but if the manner in which she took to her work is a guide, then a saver is recommended in the Sagicor Life Saver 1350 metres contest.

The Quar Rampersad inmate posted 23.65 seconds over the last 400 metres of the course and continued her run before being eased in the backstretch. Mandela, who will line-up in the Sagicor Endowment Restricted Handicap seems to be enjoying himself since reverting to sprint distances. This was evident in his short sprint from the top of the straight to the winning line which was recorded in 24.17, seconds.    

Alibi Iki and Mir On Fire showed their well-being in company over the 600 metres course. Alibi Iki was all over Uncle Joe in 37.42 seconds, and Mir On Fire had too much toes for Mystile in clocking 36.27. Other good workouts on the morning came from Copy Cat (50.03), Joan Of Arc (49.51), Bonus Point (50.52), El Presidente and Lovely Pearl (49.80), and Canaima, Morgan Heritage and Gloden Shufleur (49.46) over 800 metres.

Following are gallops recorded yesterday:
400 METRES: Beautiful Mind - 28.87, pacing; Maid Of Honour - 29.97, pacing; Fresh Mandate - 29.99, pacing; Richie Rich - 29.93, pacing; Jattahyu - 27.17, handily; Gettesburgh - 28.25, pacing; Hyarima - 25.51, handily; Hassan - 28.99, pacing; Bandinthong - 29.98, pacing; Regent Boy - 25.15, handily; Hollywood Star - 29.96, pacing; Finest Gem and Fantastic Lad - 24.68, good; Female Bandit - 23.65, good; Trini To The Bone, Alamanamou, Ex Island Chimes and Dead Sure - 29.23, pacing; Mandela - 24.17, good; Sunday Jewel and Java in Style - 25.75, handily; Kalyan - 28.99, pacing; Yankee Eagle - 24.98, handily.

600 METRES: Smooth Operator - 37.20, handily; Kay Gee Bee - 43.46, pacing; Redoubled - 39.70, handily; Kaser’s Gold - 44.97, pacing; Serah’s Trick - 37.78, handily; Dare To Dream and Judge Judy - 41.84, pacing; Jay-Low and French Academy - 38.59, handily; Piece Of Cake -  43.08, pacing; First Time - 40.79, handily; Alibi Iki and Uncle Joe - 37.42, good, Alibi Iki better; Actual Lady - 42.32, pacing; Mir On Fire and Mystile - 36.27, good; Mir On Fire better.

800 METRES: Celebration Time - 59.89, pacing; Pure Delight - 58.64, pacing; Copy Cat - 50.03, good; Sweet Laura lee - 53.91, handily; Joan Of Arc - 49.51, good; Bonus Point - 50.52, good; Canaima, Morgan Heritage and Golden Shufleur - 49.46, good; Naturelly Classy - 59.78, pacing; El Presidente and Lovely Pearl - 49.80, good.

1000 METRES: Invincibility - 1:14.99, pacing; Phantom Menace - 1:06.67, easy; Sir Vidia, Life In Russia and Cold Risk - 1:04.59, handily.

1200 METRES: Once In A Lifetime - 1:20.44, handily; Notanothernoble -
1:21.84, handily.