Silver Bullet can shoot ‘em down

ROYAL Oak Derby winner Mucho Tempo is on course for the John Derek Cozier Memorial Turf Classic, but turfites are advised to thread cautiously, since the race will be his first on the turf course. While the Harriram “Pepsi” Gobin inmate has shown dominance over his peers on the sand, there is no evidence he could handle the tight turns and new ground conditions of the inner circuit. The son of Freshly Squeezed/ Up Tempo has raced exclusively on the sand, winning two legs of the triple crown, the Union Park Turf Club Guineas and the Royal Oak Derby. And with those outstanding performances under his belt this season is sure to be at prohibitive odds to notch his sixth victory. Together with the new ground conditions he will experience for the first time, his come-from-behind style of racing may not be suited to the turf course, so it may pay to look elsewhere for value in this 1800 metres race, the penultimate race on today’s $307,000 Betting Levy Board-sponsored ten-race programme. Trainer Jack Debideen has had a poor season so far by his normal high standards, but there has been the occasional high spot and another could come for him with Silver Bullet in the $60,000 classic.

Having adapted nicely to the grass in exercise gallops, connections have had this richly endowed race in mind for the full brother of Napoleon, and their plans could be rewarded, as he looks the progressive sort with the right credentials. The lightly raced grey son of Freshly Squeezed/Beggar’s Banquet had his stiffest test in last month’s Royal Oak Derby, where he was positioned to land a blow at the top of the turn but was found wanting up the straight and finished fifth. Silver Bullet has shown the necessary speed be just off the pace, which could be an advantage, since he would be out of traffic at the corners, and with  staying powers already identified, could be the surprise package in the ten-horse field for West Indian-bred three-year-olds. French Academy is on a recovery mission today after her disappointing run in the Royal Oak Derby when installed favourite, and should make no mistake this time in the Betting Levy Board Sprint Classic. The daughter of Louis Quatorze/Hermosa was the centre of attraction leading up to last month’s Blue Riband after she slaughtered Yashoda and Melanie My Love in the Chevrolet Optra Oaks Stakes Trophy.

But French Academy may have lost her race in the paddock, where she acted up very badly before going to post. Despite her pre-Derby tantums, this filly still ran her heart out, among the leaders for most of the way until quitting 300 metres from home in the 2000 metres classic. The John O’Brien-trained filly is sure to appreciate the drop in distance and could use her speed to win the 1300 metres sprint and give the $25,000 winner’s prize to owner Alwin Poon Tip. Salsa Moves and Latonia are fancied for the runner-up spots. The Betting Levy Board Juvenile Sprint will get the BLB triple attraction off to a flying start.  This race is the fourth on the day’s programme. Luann’s Passion and Arts And Lovers have shared the four two-year-old events so far contested but may find today’s 1300 metres a more competitive affair. Luann’s Passion is taken to prevail, but may find the unraced On The Mark and the improving Embraceable difficult propositions in the extended sprint.

But while today’s card may be overshadowed by the US$14 million extravaganza at Lone Star Park in Texas, USA, the BLB have left no stone unturned in their efforts to create interest and satisfy turfites attending the racing at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, today. The government tax collectiong agency for horse and dog racing have created championships for trainers and jockeys and have provided monetary incentives for the top three finishers in each category — $900, $400, $200. Winners will be determined by a points system, six for a win, four for second and two for third. The apprentice jockey adjudged to have ridden the best race of the day will pocket $500, and the grooms of the best turned out horse in each race today will get $100. And Ramsammy Electrical Limited have also contributed to the day’s prizes donating $100 to the “Best Dressed” groom in each of the 10 races. Journalist too have been offered prizes, with the one adjudged to have written the best article getting $1,000, and the photographer taking the best picture will also receive a $1,000 cheque.