Golden Honour in top shape

GOLDEN HONOUR continues to look in top shape since opening her 2004 winning account last raceday, breezing the last 800 metres of the exercise course at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, in a comfortable 50.86 seconds yesterday. The daughter of Freshly Squeezed/Silicious who scored with authority over the Restricted Handicap bunch, stepped the trip with such ease, giving the impression that a repeat could be on the cards when she next appears.

Mandela has been knocking on the door since winning one month ago among the $20,000 claiming rank. The Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj-trained Barbadian-bred seven-year-old continues to show he still has an appetite for competition, holding the challenge of stable companion Undisputed in their spin over 800 metres. The pair stuck like glue after opening up in the back stretch but Mandela proved much stronger up the stretch touching the line in 51.11 seconds, with Undisputed following behind in 52.14. Bajan Connection who returned to the stable famous for their green and white colours by way of a claim, also showed up well in her gallop.

The five-year-old bay mare breezed over the last 600 metres of the course in 37.27 seconds to be best on time for that distance. Java In Style was another from the Maharaj barn to have worked well. The three-year-old sent a signal that he is on the upgrade, showing vigour over 1000 metres in 1:03.89 seconds. This youngster’s time bettered efforts for the distance by Man Of Class (1:05.66), Joint Venture (1:08.48), Magen (1:09.06), Salsa Moves (1:08.88) and Return To Glory (1:06.25).    

Gallops recorded yesterday:
400 METRES: Francesca - 25.68, handily; Brilliant Star - 29.98, pacing; Philadelphian - 29.99, pacing; Speed At Last - 29.93, pacing; Ex Nobodywantsme - 29.89, pacing; Politics - 29.83, pacing; Ice Follies - 28.87, pacing; Melanie My Love - 29.82, pacing.

600 METRES: Bajan Connetion - 37.27, good; Justice - 37.97, handily; Ex Kamakura - 42.51, pacing.
 
800 METRES: Golden Honour - 50.86, good; Mister Hypocrit - 51.62, handily; Mandela - 51.11, handily; Undisputed - 52.14, handily; Sweet N’ Beautiful - 53.87, handily; Copy Cat - 56.26, pacing; Chief Commander - 59.92, pacing.

1000 METRES: Java In Style - 1:03.89, good; Man Of Class - 1:05.66, handily; Return To Glory - 1: 06.25, handily; Joint Venture - 1:08.48, handily; Magen - 1:09.06, handily; Salsa Moves - 1:08.88, handily.