Keep an eye on This Cat Is Back

THIS CAT IS BACK, a third place finisher in his last start over 1350 metres, is showing good signs of improvement on the gallops at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. The American-bred three-year-old from the champion Glenn Mendez barn, who could well be seen in the Starter Allowance over 1200 metres on Saturday next week, had a 600 metres spin yesterday morning, crossing the finish line in 36.43 seconds. And it will pay to keep this son of Tabasco Cat/Renew The Dream on the right side.

Triple Crown winner Top Of The Class, another from the Mendez stables, showed he should not be opposed in the Stud Farm Association National Stakes for three-year-olds and over. Now four years old, “The Student” was sent for an 800 metres run, and he seemed to relish the sloppy underfoot conditions, getting back in 49.20 seconds and was begging for his head at the end. But despite these two gallops, trainers gave their charges a day off, while others sent their horses for some light gallops.

Only ten horses were seen on the track yesterday morning, most doing pace work. Here are the gallops recorded yesterday:
400 METRES — IMASEKHA — 29.99 handy; LOVETILLIDIE — 28.46 handy; NEW STAR — 29.96 handy; UNDISPUTED — 28.99 handy.  
600 METRES — JOINT VENTURE  — 44.78 handy; SMART AND LUCKY  — 44.96 handy; THIS CAT IS BACK  — 36.43 good. 
800 METRES — SECOND CHANCES and CAREFREE — 53.44 handy;  TOP OF THE CLASS — 49.20 good. 
1000 METRES — ICHIBAN — 1:13.98 handy.