Jamaican runners stay for Champion Stakes

CONNECTIONS of the three Jamaican Royal Oak Derby raiders have decided to extend their stay here and will have another crack at a top event at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, on November 27. The trio, Seattle Sue, Latonia and Uram will face off with runners of their age-group and older West Indian-bred in the Caribbean Champion Stakes, the feature on the Arima Race Club Day 34 programme. ARC president Gerard Ferreira said, he asked connections of the Jamaican-bred three-year-old to delay their departure to compete in the 1800 metres race won last year by triple crown champion Top Of The Class, and they agreed. Ferreira said, because of the gesture shown, his committee is planning to make the Caribbean Development Limited-sponsored day special, and is contemplating inviting the Jamaican Derby winner and other runners from the  Isle of Spring to compete on the card.

Under consideration also, is to have the Barbadian Derby winner in the ‘Champions’ line up. “If all agree, it will be a clash of Derby winners and will add interest to the event,” the ex-Mayor of San Fernando and recently elected member of the Betting Levy Board said. “Should all three agree to throw down the gauntlet to their older generation in the race, a further incentive would be offered to them. “We are contemplating a special bonus, for a win, by either.” The Jamaican runners are still serving their quarantine period at the station   adjacent to the racetrack at Arima, but are expected to be relieved soon. Seattle Sue, which finished among the also rans in the Royal Oak Derby  on September 24 will join trainer John O’Brien’s barn. Latonia who was beaten by a fast finishing Mucho Tempo will be eager for a return match, in the Champion Stakes, while Uram the sixth place finisher  will have a warm-up race in the Betting Levy Board Sprint Classic over 1300 metres on October 30, before attempting the ‘Champion’ race.