Phantom Bidder, Ichiban to win ARC features

TRAINER John O’Brien has managed to supply the winners of most of the feature races so far  this season. He can boost that record by adding the Arima Race Club Cup and Royal Colours Classic to his growing list of on the Arima Race Club Day 7 programme at Santa Rosa Park, Arima today.

The champion trainer has a very strong hand in both events with a two-pronged attack in the Royal Colours event. But injury has denied O’Brien another two runners in the Arima Race Club Cup as he was forced to withdraw Cash Wager. The late withdrawal of last year’s Stewards Cup winner is seen as a minor hiccup, since he is well represented in the 1800 metres contest by fast rising star Phantom Bidder.

Phantom Bidder looked perfect for his opening run this season, and overturned the odds when beating the highly fancied Invincibility in his first try on the grass. His three-quarter length victory was gained with a minimum of fuss which suggests there is plenty more in the locker, especially over the longer distances, for which the three-year-old son of Indian Charlie is bred. With his main rival out of today’s staying event he holds a nap rating to bank the $45,000 first prize for owner Nazir Ahamad in the five-horse field. Golden Shufleur has not shown the same enthusiasm since moving back to Harriram Gobin’s barn and Morgan Heritage is yet to make his mark in elite company, which leaves the runner-up spot open to creoles Phantom Menace and Fresh Tempo.

Ichiban can advertise his 2000 Guineas claims with victory in the Royal Colours Classic. The son of Freshly Squeezed/Iador has come on leaps and bounds since finishing one from last on his debut in early December.
He opened his account in game fashion at the beginning of the current season and looked even better when scoring over today’s distance in the Flamingo Stakes. And he has blossomed further and it will take something out of the ordinary to lower his colours in today’s Royal Colours event which is worth $36,000 to the winning owner. Due Dilligence, like his stablemate has racked up a double since finishing fourth on his debut. He showed fighting qualities up the stretch when taking the St James Stakes and is exspected to give a good account of himself in today’s 10-strong contest.  Top Of The Class turned in his maiden certificate  a without being asked a serious question and could provide the main opposition the O’Brien-trained pair of runners.