Sugar Mike makes Bajan debut

TRINIDAD and Tobago “Horse of the Year” Sugar Mike, will begin his Bajan challenge at the Garrison Savannah, Barbados today, when he takes on six rivals in a 1100 metres race.

The Grant Lourenco-trained “big horse” whose chief aim is the March 6 Sandy Lane Gold Cup over 1800 metres, will be using today’s race as a warm-up. Sugar Mike who won eight of nine starts last season while posting several new track records, will hump topweight of 62 kilos (135 lbs) in his maiden Barbados race going right-handed for the first time.
The imposing American-bred five-year-old son of Ponche/No Sugar who will have regular rider Brian Harding in his saddle, arrived in Barbados only last week.

Owned by Bertwin “Mike” Samlalsingh, the 1100 metres will not inconvenience Sugar Mike, since he has been winning at all distances at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, here. His most serious rival in today’s race appears to be speedy Peace Angel, which is trained by veteran Englishman Bill Marshall, and who will be in receipt of 10 lbs. But Sugar Mike is reported to be in excellent condition despite only seen out pacing on Wednesday. He is said to be handling the right hand turns well, and got a good draw for the race in the No 2 slot, and should run his usual good race. Among others taking their chances in the race are Feet On Flames, Pen In Hand and Sky Beauty.