Back ‘Java,’ Man Of Class, Crown Point

From 11.35 am the picong will be thrown through the window as the first race gets underway.

Turfites have been thumbing through their official race programme, attempting to pinpoint winners on the day’s ten-race card especially the three "big races."

First of them will be the Stud Farm Association Breeders Stakes over 1200 metres and worth $45,000 to the winning owner.

There is nothing sure in horseracing, but the manner in which All For Java disposed of most of eight rivals in his three previous outings, and the fast times he clocked in doing it suggests it will take something unusual to deny him the top slice of the purse.

This son of Java In Flight/Set All has done all asked of him by trainer Shaffique Khan, and with physical improvements and his form displayed at gallops when tackling older horses and beating them all it, points to a victory, and ridden by in-form Venezuelan jockey Wilmer Galviz, he should not be opposed.

Next of the big ones is the Carib Beer Trophy Caribbean Sprint Championship for three-year-old and over West Indies-bred horses over 1200 metres.

Despite having to give away weight all around from seven kilos to The Night Man and Latonia to 5.5 kilos to the four other entrants, Man Of Class should go past the post first and so cement his claim for Horse of the Year honours.

Top of the Class is seeking a three-peat in the other "classic," the 23rd edition of the Caribbean Champion Stakes over 1800 metres.

This son of Freshly Squeezed/Crescendo, in winning this race for the first time in 2003, comnpleted not only the Triple Crown, but also earned a $1 million bonus for owners Merlin Samlalsingh and Rupert Leong Poi.

He has trained extremely well and many turfites believe he cannot be beaten, but the weight difference with that champion three-year-old Crown Point, could be a big factor.

Not that this will be a two-horse race by any stretch of the imagination, with the vastly improved Chief Commander, Privilege, and two other ex-Derby winners Millenium Reign and Carnival Reign holding the engagement.

Added to the racing excitement, turfites will follow the progress of jockey Galviz and apprentice Joshua Stephen who are locked in a rousing duel for this year’s Jockey Championship.

The young rider with 39 wins to his credit, trails Galviz by one winner, and is eyeing history should he wrest the jockey’s title, having already wrapped up the apprentice crown.

Apart from the races, nine of which carry the names of products manufactured by Carib Brewery, comedian Learie Joseph is contracted to perform his clever mirth.

And Carib Brewery will be giving the owners of all winners a trophy, while they will hand out a hamper to each of the winning trainer, jockey and groom. Groom of the Best Turned Out horse in each race will a also be given a hamper.

Kids of turfites have not been left out either, as there will be a bouncy castle, face painting, balloons, cotton candy and play park centre for them to enjoy.