Daredevil Hero in scorching 1000m

WITH racing enjoying a bye this weekend, turfites would have assumed that after four consecutive weekends of racing horses will be given some time off in their Santa Rosa Park, Arima, stalls to enjoy a well deserved rest. But while this may have been the case with runners which have raced consistently over the period, it did not prevent both courses at racing headquarters being active over the last two days, with newcomers gearing for their debut, and others, for which trainers are eyeing events when racing resumes next Saturday. While runners and railbirds were out plentiful on Sunday, a big drop off was noticeable yesterday, but those on hand were privy to two exciting gallops from American-bred importations earmarked to reach the top.

Daredevil Hero who turned in his maiden certificate in an extended sprint last month showed he has come on leaps and bounds since. The son of Devil His Due/Justified, from champion trainer Glenn Mendez’s barn came out in the second session, after the courses were watered and raked, and using his blistering speed scorched the last 1000 metres of the main course in an impressive 58.37 seconds. While Daredevil Hero was making his return with apprentice Gary Laban astride, Not This Time and Florida Flame made their way onto the disfigured carpet of sand.

The Shaffique Khan-trained pair loosened up by walking one round of the circuit. Their jockeys got over them after the 1000 metres marker in the backstretch and had them in full flight soon after. Florida Flame on the outside went a trifle wide at the top turn but recovered nicely to get the 800-metres verdict at the winning pole, which was timed in 48.47 seconds.

You’ve Got Mail was the other runner to create an impression yesterday. The bay four-year-old colt went well in hand over the 600 metres trip in 37.52 seconds. A number of fresh blood showed up on Sunday, among which were Comanchero, Rebel Music, Without Proof, Raise A Creek, Premier Attraction, Royal Mist, Lit D’Armour, This Cat Is Mine, Gray Warrior and Cash Wager.      

Following are gallops recorded yesterday:
 400 METRES: Bound To Fly - 29.99, pacing, Return To Sender - 29.98 pacing; Trinbago Pride - 29.91, pacing; Speed At Last - 29.84, pacing; Native Love - 28.99, pacing.
600 METRES: Not This Time and Florida Flame - 48.47, good; You’ve Got Mail - 37.52, good;  Massoud - 44.99, pacing; Buffalo Soldier - 44.96, pacing.  
800 METRES: 2-Sharp and J D Express - 56.33, pacing.
1000 METRES: Daredevil Hero - 58.37, good (Pushed out).

Gallops recored on Sunday:
400 METRES: Indian Decision - 24.06, good; Hassan - 24.09, good (Boxes); Sure Honey - 26.46, handily; Fast Company - 28.62, pacing; Jay Low - 29.48, pacing; Dottie’s Way - 27.17, handily; Western Double - 27.31, handily; Atlantic Breeze - 27.17, handily; Bold Brush - 26.16, handily (Turf).
600 METRES: Rebel Music - 34.53 - good (Boxes); Without Proof - 36.94, good (Boxes); Comanchero - 36.92, good; Takeover and Chief Commander - 38.09, handily; Ballybunion - 38.96, handily; Outburst - 44.38, pacing; Twice Infallible - 44.99, pacing; Runaway Rocket and Joint Account - 40.20, handily; Super Gray - 43.59, pacing; Privilege - 41.37, easy; Lady Banker - 38.64, handily; Full Of Promises - 41.61, pacing; Zalyan - 44.99, pacing; Fantastic Story - 40.46, handily; Trini To D Bone and Evil Kneevle - 43.48, pacing; Invincibility - 44.98, pacing (Turf); Caribbean Kiss - 40.25, handily (Turf); Blondie - 42.89, pacing (Turf); Xian - 42.70, pacing.
800 METRES: Premier Attraction and Raise A Creek - 48.73, good; Royal Mist - 49.59, good (Turf); Lit D’Armour and This Cat Is Back - 47.61, good (Boxes); Sure Wager - 52.15, handily; Return To Sender - 59.48, pacing; Alex - 54.80, ridden out; J D Express and 2 Sharp - 56.88, pacing; Fabulous Risk - 51.49, handily.
1000 METRES: Cash Wager and Gray Warrior - 1:01.77, good;  Chief Of Staff - 1:11.21, pacing; Alert The Ship - 1:05.80, handily; The Chariman - 1:10.37, pacing; Politics - 1:08.55, handily; real Spirit - 1:10.03, pacing; Mucho Tempo and Yashoda - 1:06.03, handily; Maid Of Honour - 1:13.81, pacing (Turf).
1400 METRES: Crimson Tower - 1:38.61, pacing.