Arts And Lovers, Night Man clash on hold

TURFITES will have to “hold strain” before seeing the clash of top filly Arts And Lovers and impressive `Guardian Life St James Stakes winner The Night Man. And it is all because of an injury to the son of Gilgamesh/Crescendo who fetched the top price at the 2002 Carib Stud Farm Association Yearling Sales. Arts And Lovers have been having her way with the two-year-olds, winning five of six starts in commanding style. But the manner in which The Night Man won the “St James” by 10 1/4 lengths, beating previous winners Crown Point and Lil Maniram My Boy, whetted the appetite of turfites who were hoping to see the duo doing battle in the 1350 metres Royal Colours Classic on February 26.

As it stands, the Harold Chadee-trained filly looks set to renew rivalry with her only conqueror Luann’s Passion, Crown Point and two other impressive first-time winners Freshman and Prince Charming. Horseracing at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, is now on a one-week break to allow repair work to be done on both the main sand track and the exercise course.

And when racing returns, it will be on February 4, brought forward from February 5, for what is now becoming a very popular “Friday Lime.” Meanwhile, turfites could see two-time “Horse of the Year” Sugar Mike in action for the first time this season on February 12 in the 1600 metres Champagne Stakes on the turf course. He will be seeking to avenge his Stewards Cup defeat by Cash Wager and Miss Lover Lover. Also in the field are Fantastic Story, a very comfortable winner on Saturday last and 2003 triple crown winner Top Of The Class who skipped the engagement.