French Academy sets ‘em talking

TURFITES were still discussing the manner in which French Academy trounced her field in the Chevrolet Optra Oaks, as trainers prepared their charges at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday, for next week’s “Friday Lime” programme. The John O’Brien-trained filly gave a command performance, slaughtering her field by 16 lengths in the 2000 metres race to put her name among the contenders for next month’s Royal Oak Derby. Owned by Alwin Poon Tip, this filly sired in the United States and foaled here, was always in the firing line and put the lie to those who believed she could not stay a trip. Another talking point was last season’s “Horse of the Year” Sugar Mike and the way he keep humping 60.5 kilos (133 lbs) and beating the top class horses with consumate ease.

Now owners and trainers will be having second thoughts about entering their charges for the Independence Cup to be run off on August 31, and for which final subscriptions close on Monday. There were 13 left in at the second stage, including Lion Country from Barbados. But this field is expected to be drastically reduced now that Sugar Mike is being kept in excellent condition by young trainer Grant Lourenco. Most horses did pace work last Sunday, but Royal Miss continued to show  good form with a spin over 800 metres in 49.86 seconds. Travel Agent showed some spirit when completing a 1000 metres run in 1:06.35 seconds. newcomer Arts And Lovers stepped 600 metres in 38.04, and Noble Man and Tora Bora came out of the boxes for a 400 metres sprint in 24.40 seconds.

Here are some gallops recorded on Sunday: 400 METRES - Massoud - 29.92 pacing; Ice Follies - 29.97 pacing; Crown Point, Captain America - 29.96 pacing; Riviera - 28.06 pacing; Mucho Tempo - 29.70 pacing; Be My Hero - 29.96 pacing; Noble Man, Tora Bora - 24.40 good; Atlantic Breeze - 29.12 pacing.
600 METRES - Yankee Eagle - 38.85 handy; Fiery Babe - 44.95 pacing; Bandikoot - 44.99 pacing; Isle Be True - 40.76 handy; Arts And Lovers - 38.04 handy; Explosive Suzie - 39.77 handy; Wise Decision - 40.74 handy; City Of Lights - 44.68 pacing; Flying Eagle, Quatro Tempo - 44.98 pacing; Dare To Dream 43.11 pacing; M<illenium Reign - 44.93 pacing; Fantastic Lad - 44.97 pacing; Border Dispute, Flying Millie - 44.75 pacing.
800 METRES - Ichiban - 57.87 pacing; Sure Honey - 55.11 handy; V For Victory - 58.29 pacing; Royal Miss 49.86 good; Speed - 59.91 pacing; Blondie - 58.49 pacing; Kay-Gee-Bee - 59.76 pacing; Takeover 52.19 handy; Kavita Nadira - 51.69 handy; Sea Spider - 56.00 pacing; Saucy Wow - 56.07 pacing.
1000 METRES - Jay Low - 1:11.72 pacing; Ula - 1:13.63 pacing; Fast Comoany - 1:10.67 pacing; Return To Sender - 1:09.42 handy; Naturelly Classy - 1:09.00 handy; Piece Of Cake, Cinco De Mayo - 1:12.83 pacing; Travel Agent - 1:06.35 handy.