Luann’s Passion, Arts And Lovers set for ‘war’

ANGOSTURA Aromatic Bitters Nursery Stakes winner Luann’s Passion, one of two “babes” to score the double, looks set to give a good account of herself in the Betting Levy Board Juvenile Sprint on Saturday. This Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj-bred and trained filly was seen tugging for her head despite her rider’s tight hold, in a 400 metres gallop completed in a comfortable 28.35 seconds on Thursday last. And this short-head conqueror of the highly-rated Arts And Lovers when the pair clashed over 1200 metres in the “Nursery” will match strides again on Betting Levy Board Day, this time over 1300 metres in the race worth $50,000 at Santa Rosa Park, Arima.

But much is thought of Embraceable and Fiery Babe, which will make this race, one of three co-features, a very interesting affair. Also looking in fine coat was Mucho Tempo, the Royal Oak Derby winner who will be attempting to add the Betting Levy Board Turf Classic to his resume. Harriram “Pepsi” Gobin’s charge has only been seen limbering up ahead of his run for the $36,000 winner’s purse in the 1800 metres race on the turf course. It now seems only a question of how the Freshly Squeezed/Up Tempo colt handles the turf track. And while he will not have to face French Academy in the event worth a total of $60,000, there will be danger lurking in Melanie My Love who was not 100 per cent going into the Derby, and Jamaican raider Uram. The improving Cinco De Mayo also holds this engagement and this one could be anything.

Then there is the Betting Levy Board Sprint Classic, also for three-year-old horses over 1300 metres on the main dirt/sand track. Speedy Jamaican filly Latonia who was only just caught by Mucho Tempo in the Derby, holds the engagement along with the other Jamaican-bred filly Seattle Sue, a convincing winner last time out. This pair will throw down the gauntlet to the American-foaled but Trinidad-bred French Academy, Dealer’s Choice and the fleet-footed Salsa Moves. Apart from these, there is the unknown Jamaican-bred Supremely Satisfied who has been galloping with authority, Aticka and Java Takeover listed to run in this event worth an overall $50,000. Racing on Saturday looks likely to be a turfite’s nightmare in spotting winners, since most of the principals on the ten-race programme have been showing good form on the gallops.