Greek Princess to reign over Ibis Stakes

His filly Greek Princess was a clever winner of the Royal Colours Classic last time out, beating the “boys” in stablemate Sara’s Music and All For Java in that race over course and distance.

On the other hand, Sara’s Music on the evidence of that last run, should put the $30,000 winner’s purse into the bank account of owner Ronald Maharaj.

The feature $100,000 Republic Bank Champagne Stakes over 1600 metres on the turf course is not so easy to pick a winner.

Turfites will be well served to stay with “Horse of the Year” Top Of The Class, but he will have to be at his best to hold off in-form Lit d’Amour, Miss Lover Lover, Peace,Offering, Invincibility and Tobago-bred Crown Point.

The day’s 10-race programme, fully sponsored by Republic Bank in their 40-year association with local racing, promises to be a grand Easter Parade with some exciting finishes.

Added to this will be the usual parade of Easter Bonnets with the wearer of the best as judged by Hannah Janoura getting a special prize.

There will also be an all-expenses paid trip for two to the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs in November to a “Lucky Loser,” apart from the regular “Lucky Loser” draw on the day. Republic Bank are also offering prizes to the owner, trainer, jockey and grooms of winning horses in each of the three feature races and the owners of the horses winning the seven other races; groom of the best turned out horse in each race; top jockey of the day; top trainer of the day and the jockey adjudged to have ridden the best race.

Tokens will also be given to turfites on the ground floor, while the first 200 patrons will be given free access to the first floor.

And since Easter Monday is a family occasion, then provisions have been made for children with bouncy castle and pony rides.

The bank has not left out the media, offering $500 to the writer of the best story and a similar $500 award to the photographer taking the best photograph.

These are apart from another $500 prize to the tipster selecting the most winners on the day.