Sagicor Cup runners ready for action

RUNNERS were out plentiful on the exercise course at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday morning as trainers chose light preparations to brush up their acts for tomorrow’s Sagicor-sponsored Independence Day racecard. Sugar Mike and Invincibility, two of the top fancies in the Sagicor Independence Cup were among those to make appearances. But the “Horse of the Year”  did nothing of note, choosing to go two slow rounds with raceday rider Brian Harding in his plate and Invincibility went at a strong steady clip over the last 1000 metres of the course in 1:09.69 seconds. Trainer Glenn Mendez had other ideas and chose to grace the grass course with his challenger Top Of  The Class.

And the triple crown winner of  last year seemed to enjoy the surface, breezing the final 800 metres of the inner circuit in 52.91 seconds with apprentice Sheldon Rodrigo astride. The chestnut four-year-old which added the Caribbean Champion Stakes to the three classics last season to earn a $1 million bonus offered by CLICO, continued at the same clip before draining off in the backstretch. Trainer John O’Brien continued to give Phantom Bidder stamina work. His hopeful in the “big race” with  a total purse of $200,000 paced 800 metres in 56.49 seconds. The Barbadian invaders Lion Country, Foxcote and Birdie Point were last of the lot to put in an appearance, their time on the track delayed to allow their owners, who flew in yesterday, the opportunity to watch their  preparation. And the trio acquainted themselves with one light round each.

Gallops recorded yesterday: 400 METRES: Rocket Booster - 24.01, good; Soul Asylum - 24.93, handily; Bold Fapp - 25.38, handily; Dream Weaver, Ex Sparkling Hero and Carefree - 27.17, handily; Hyarima - 25.10, handily; Lovely Pearl - 27.99, pacing; City Of Lights - 28.52, pacing, Cuatro Tempo and Captain America - 29.10, easy (Boxes).
600 METRES: Reign Of Fire - 36.84, good; Rebel Music - 37.59, handily; Groomsman - 37.67, ridden out; Brilliant Star - 41.17, handily; Dare To Dream - 38.55, handily; Joint Account - 40.27, handily; Jay Low - 40.20, handily; Ghost Meadow - 40.92, handily; Chief Commander - 40.00, handily; Chavez - 39.41, handily; Private Affair - 40.29, handily; Sajewaan and Shaya - 38.80, handily; Chief Of Staff - 39.56, handily; Music Man - 38.00, handily; Ex Kylie Wylie and Ex Suzie Southworth - 42.20, pacing; Ex Angel Again - 42.30, pacing; Carnival Messiah - 44.98, pacing; Native Love - 44.45, pacing; Super Grey - 44.33, pacing; Outswinger - 41.86, pacing; Dinner Silence and Lit D’Amour - 42.91, pacing; Travel Agent - 42.75, pacing; Explosive Suzie - 43.10’ pacing.

800 METRES: New Star - 51.84, handily; Top Of The Class - 52.91, handily (turf); Kalyan - 53.73, handily; Ex Suzan’s Mother, Fame and Glory, and Ex- Isle Be Gone - 56.33, pacing; Bajan Connection - 55.67, pacing; Blue Reign - 59.09, pacing; Bada Bing and Ex-Tempest - 59.03, pacing; Silver Bullet - 59.99, pacing; Ex-Valid Krissy, Crown Point and Ex-Solid Claim - 58.76, pacing; Wise Decision - 58.51, pacing; Oceanic Man - 59.93, pacing; V For Victory - 59.97, pacing; Phantom Bidder - 56.49, pacing.

1000 METRES: Full Of Promises and Ula - 1:07.40, handily; Renaissance Man - 1:07.04, handily; Invincibility - 1:09.69, handily; Premier Attraction - 1:05.99, handily (boxes); Fran’s Choice and Yashoda - 1:07.63, handily; Life In The Sky - 1:13.37, pacing; Takeover - 1:12.10, pacing; Ex Sporting Green and Ex Mossy Creek - 1:11.81, pacing.

1200 METRES: Tactical Bid - 1:29.98, pacing.