Ring Dang Do to chime at Santa Rosa

RING DANG DO, so impressive when making all the running in the Sagicor Series Handicap on Indepen-dence Day last, looks the likely winner of  today’s Allowance feature on the Arima Race Club Day 30 programme at Santa Rosa Park, Arima.

This American-bred four-year-old is no superstar, but has shown a willing attitude in his races and  when carrying his light impost of 47.5 kilos last time out,  put pressure on his rivals to win in impressive style over course and distance. Jockey Wendell Bharath set sail for home about 900 metres out on the son of Red Ransom/Laurentine, and from the top of the straight it was only a matter of by how far would he win. The Douglas Bennett-trained colt finished six lengths clear of Gaza Strip and completed his run in 1:49.41 seconds, which was a shade outside the course record of 1:49 seconds posted by Da Vinci since 1995. That run was a marked improvement to his previous form and should have put him in good stead to see him follow-up in the small but interesting feature on the nine-race card. Carnival Messiah carried Phantom Menace to the wire in the Stud Farm Association National Stakes.

The 2001 Triple Crown winner has been in good niche since and could provide the main opposition to the top choice in the 1750 metres event. Sir Vidia comes into today’s $20,000 claimer fit from racing in the Royal Oak Derby and can collect for trainer Shaffique Khan . The three-year-old colt was kept busy all season but continues to thrive. He ran a corker leading up to the last week’s classic and if ridden with a little restraint, could have the edge over his nine rivals in the 1600 metres turf race. Trainer Glenn Mendez’s horses have been carrying all before them, and Beautiful Mind can continue the trend to make a contribution to the dual triple crown winning yard’s impressive tally by taking the Restricted Handicap over 1200 metres. The three-year-old son of Kdanzc/Mindset appeared to have won the Angostura 1919 Rum Handicap on merit on Derby Day, but was relegated to second behind Naturelly Classy, following a stewards inquiry. The stewards were of the opinion jockey Jody Arneaud’s riding in the race was “intimidatory and careless of a major nature.” Arneaud has since appealed this decison, and also trainer Mendez.