Lit D’Amour can lift Trintrac Cup

Lit D’Amour can continue his fine run of form today to lift the Trintrac Stewards Cup, feature event on the penultimate day’s racing for the year at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. But the job is no cut and dry one for the Glenn Mendez trainee and it would take a great effort by the roan son of Lit De Justice/Silver Symphony. This year the renewal features the seasonal clash of the young pretenders taking on the older horses, after which one will be crowned “Champion Sprinter of the South Caribbean.” 

Lit D’Amour was always highly thought of and created a good impression in his first start, winning with some authority. In his next start he looked even better, only to show his rouguish side, dislodging  his rider when in command in the closing stages of the contest. He encountered a niggling injury for veering suddenly in that race and was sidelined for four months. On his return he failed to menace in three starts, which were educational as they helped to condition him in the way he has to be ridden. Apprentice Gary Laban, whom he unseated was given a recall next time out and the duo has since formed a formidable partnership winning their both to date.

In those, the youngster was noted restraining the grey throughout, which was only given his head in the dying stages. Today’s encounter represents a different kettle of fish as it is a step up in class. It also has speed at the front end, which Lit D’Amour will enjoy, but those likely to set the fractions may not be the ones around at the finish. And that would not be helpful to the cause. The strong early pace will be ideal for runners like last year’s winner and runner-up Sugar Mike, Miss Lover Lover and Cash Wager who would be doing their best work at the end. But Lit D’Amour exudes class and may choose to stay mid-pack before making a late run with the closers. Miss Lover Lover cannot be ruled out of contention however. The Edmund De Freitas charge has continuously performed with credit in pattern company, finishing in the frame on many occasions before taking the Sagicor Independence Cup.

She has worked with authority for the tough battle and is again expected to give a good account of herself.  Invincibility has shown his best form over the shorter trips and is another who would be in the shake-up. In conclusion it has to be Lit D’Amour who gets the vote, with Miss Lover booked for second and Invincibility third. The John Deer Juvenile Sprint, the supporting feature on today’s nine-race card only has five runners. But it would be well worth watching since the quality is of the highest standard, and it won’t be a surprise if the winner post a comparable time to the Stewards Cup. The trio of Bold As Brass, Getdjobdone and Dinner Silence are taken to share the top spoils in the 1200 metres contest.