Invincibility spots ‘Sugar’ two kilos

CHAMPAGNE STAKES winner Invincibility will head the weights for the Stakes and Lower Handicap on the Arima Race Club Day 27 card at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, on Saturday. The Junior Sammy-owned colt which finished fourth in a closely contested Sagicor Independence Cup Trophy won by Miss Lover Lover on August 31, was allotted the top impost of 56.5 kilos for the 1725 metres turf event highlighting Saturday’s card. The staying event attracted a small but selective field of seven runners when entries closed yesterday. Following Invincibility closely at the weights are stable companions Sugar Mike and Fantastic Story.

Sugar Mike, who has one victory from three stars on the grass will be in receipt of weight from a runner for the first time in over a year. The Bertwin Samlalsingh-owned colt was leniently treated with 54.5 kilos, but should the race be shifted to the main course, then last season’s  “Horse of the Year” will be back to his customary weight-toting role. The handicappers have slapped the maximum 60.5 kilos burden on Sugar Mike. Fantastic Story who was denied victory by a head in the Group One race on Independence Day was handed 53.5 kilos on the turf, but will race with ten kilos less on the sand.

The Grant Lourenco-trained trio are followed on the weight scale by Foxcote, Lion Country and Birdie Point, the three Barbados-owned entrants. The Bajan trio which made little impact when asked to race at weight for age in the Sagicor Independence Cup get a steep drop in weights for their farewell engagement. Foxcote will be heaviest with 52.5 kilos, Lion Country will carry 51, and Birdie Point 50. Porto Cervo, like Fantastic Story, will represent the youngest generation in the race. This Jose William-Samaroo Jnr-trained colt  is at the bottom of the handicap  along with Birdie Point, both on 50 kilos.

Here are the weights issued yesterday:
RACE 10: STAKES AND LOWER HANDICAP  - PURSE $35,000 - 1725 METRES (TURF).
INVINCIBILITY - 56.5 (46.0), SUGAR MIKE - 54.5 (60.5), FANTASTIC STORY 53.5 (43.5), FOXCOTE - 52.5 (40.0), LION COUNTRY - 51.0 (39.0), BIRDIE POINT - 50.0 (38.0), PORTO CERVO - 50.0 (39.0).