Florida Fame in blazing run

FLORIDA FAME blazed as gallops continued at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday, in preparation for Satur-day’s Arima Race Club Day 34 programme.

The American-bred bay colt flashed his speed over 400 metres, completing the run in 22.7 seconds to send warning signals to his seven rivals in the 110 metres race for imported maiden two-year-olds and over. But the roan colt Ooze, also from the Shaffique Khan stable, showed he will not be far behind at the finish of this race, neither will Senor Gucci. This pair stepped the 400 metres distance in 22.63 seconds. And with the speedy Soul Asylum, Fromnowuntil, Fabulous Risk and Tazumi   holding the engagement, this race promises some real fireworks. Carnival Messiah, entered for the $32,000 Handicap 1 & Lower race over 1750 metres, feature of the ten-race programme, sparkled over 800 metres in a good 46.9 seconds. But the first Triple Crown winner since racing was centralised at Arima has a tough assignment, coming up against Tactical Bid, Phantom Bidder, Millenium Reign and recent winner Dottie’s Way.

Weights were issued yesterday for the three handicap events, with Daredevil Hero, Fabulous Risk and Florida Fame set to take the top weight 56.5 kilos in the Imported two-year-old maidens race which carries a purse of $21,000. Phantom Bidder was handed 56.5 kilos at the head of the handicap in the day’s feature, giving away from two kilos to Outwinger to 10.5 to Ring Dang Do. And Full Of Promises heads the handicap with 56.5 kilos in the 1100 metres turf race. But should this event be switched to the main course, then Classy Kim becomes the top weight with 56.5 kilos. Here are the weights issued by handicappers Wayne Shockness and Robin Jaisingh.

RACE 5: IMPORTED 2 Y.O. & OVER MAIDENS - 1100 METRES - Daredevil Hero 56.5; Fabulous Risk 56.5; Florida Fame 56.5; Senor Gucci 55.5; Ooze 54.5; Tazumi 54.5; Soul Asylum 52.5; Fromnowuntil 48.5.
RACE 6: HANDICAP 1 & LOWER - 1750 METRES - Phantom Bidder 56.5; Outswinger 54.5; Dottie’s Way 53.5; Millenium Reign 52.5; Tactical Bid 51.5; Carnival Messiah 51.5; Canaima 48.5; Morgan Heritage 48; Pile Of Cash 46.5; Ring Dang Do 46.
RACE 8: W.I. BRED 3 Y.O. & OVER NON-WINNERS OF THREE RACES - 1100 METRES (TURF) - Full Of Promises 56.5 (48.5); Hyarima 50.5 (50.5); Classy Kim 49.5 (56.5); Finest Gem 49 (47); Mutola 48.5 (48.5); Fantastic Lad 48.5 (54.5); Bonus Point 47.5 (50.5); El Presidente 47 (47); Upset All 46 (47.5); Brandy 44.5 (44.5).

Gallops recorded yesterday:
400 METRES - DARE TO DREAM - 27.5; EL GUERROUJ - 23.9 (ridden out); FLORIDA FAME - 22.7; LAURA’S BOY - 24.2; RUBY RICH  - 29.0.
600 METRES - COPY  CAT - 43.1; GAME HIGH -  37.9; GENEROUS GIFT - 41.2;  JAVA IN STYLE - 38.5; MAJESTIC - 38.5; MISTER HYPORCRIT - 40.0; SOCA TEMPO - 41.8; ULA - 44.9.
800 METRES - BONUS POINT - 56.3; CARNIVAL MESSIAH - 46.9; NOTANOTHERNOBLE - 59.8.