Get aboard Alert The Ship in feature

ALERT THE SHIP looks ready to sail in the Allowance race feature on Day 30 of the Arima Race Club season, when horseracing resumes at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, today, after a one-week break. This American-bred bay colt has been improving with every gallop, and despite Royal Oak Derby winners of previous years Carnival Messiah and Millenium Reign holding the engagement, none should stop him anchoring the $12,000 first prize in the 1750 metres race for owner Antonio Navarro. But it is not an open and shut race, as there are others in the seven-horse field capable of springing a surprise, the “old man” Phantom Bidder and the inconsistent but talented Stonebright, also from the Navarro-Kenneth de Silva jr stable. It looks a big toss-up in the supporting Starter Allowance sprint over 1100 metres on the turf course with Fortunate Flag, Caribbean Kiss, Lit D’Amour and Honor Bound among others set to face the starter.

And still there is the consistent Smooth Operator with a very light weight and to be ridden by champion jockey Brian Harding entered. But the vote goes to the fleet footed — Caribbean Kiss with Fortunate Flag not far behind. Local two-year-olds feature in the day’s opener over 1200 metres which should be easily won by Arts And Lovers, narrowly beaten in the Angostura Aromatic Bitters Nursery Stakes last time out. Most open race of the day is the 1100 metres event for maiden three-year-olds in which any number can play, but Runaway Rocket is tipped to prevail, with Mayaro Breeze, the improving Explosive Suzie Dancz With Class and the speedy Lady Banker engaged. Today’s racing will welcome back Vaughn “Jahous” Charles who has been riding abroad. He is booked for one ride astride Carefree in the maiden race for three-year-olds. Post time for the opener is 12.15 pm.