Tactical bid makes it look easy

TACTICAL BID made most of the running to score a comfortable two-length victory in the feature Restricted Handicap on Day 32 of the Arima Race Club season at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday. From the off Venezuelan rider Larry Munoz had Russell Ramsammy’s American-bred filly alongside Life In Russia, and as the horses approached the stretch, she just pulled away to victory. Kalyan came with a flutter in the end, but could not match the finishing kick of the winner, while Maid Of Honour stayed on for third. The Starter Allowance sprint over 1100 metres was robbed of much of its glitter when speedsters Bandinthong and Sea Spider joined the non-starters.

But Man Of Class gave owner-trainer Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj his second success of the day. The Bandsman/Touch Of Class gelding tracked the leaders Fortunate Flag and Sure Wager most of the way before being asked a question by apprentice rider Richard Persad. And the five-year-old literally flew up the stretch to score by a long-looking four-and-a-quarter lengths. Turfites got a glimpse of Napoleon, under saddle after a long lay-off because of injury. And The Emperor did not disappoint with a fluent run over 1200 metres, the grey son of Freshly Squeezed/Beggar’s Banquet slamming his field by a convincing four lengths. Maharaj was the most successful trainer on yesterday’s nine-race programme saddling two winners, while Ricky Jadoo led the riders booting home two winners. Because of the very small fields, dividends yesterday were very small, but when Bound To Dot Com won the handicap event over 1350 metres, backers were rewarded with $39.70 and $6.80 on the tote. And with runner-up Super Grey, Van Nistelrooy and Hyarima following, the superfecta was best of the day $3,385.20. Another big winner on the tote was Shezabute who gave backers much to cheer with $25.60 and $9.50. Next up is the West Indies Thoroughbred Racing Association $120,000 race for three-year-olds over 2000 metres on Saturday.