Two ‘foreigners’ in TT Derby 2006

The proposed Jamaican representtive is Swing By, while the challenger from Barbados is AP Esquire.

According to the latest classification list issued by the Barbados Turf Club, AP Esquire is a G2 maiden.

But Swing By will be coming with solid credentials, having won four times at Caymanas Park, Jamaica.

Connections of both Assurance and D’Contractor have decided to pay a penalty at the third entry stage for their horses to race in the prestigious Blue Riband event.

This year’s Royal Oak Derby is scheduled to be run off on September 25, Republic Day holiday over 2000 metres.

By then, Sara’s Music, the gelded son of Java In Flight/Indian Music could be in the hunt for the local Triple Crown.

The manner in which he won the Bookmakers Association Guineas over 1800 metres on Indian Arrival Day last, Sara’s Music will be hard to deny in the second leg of the tiara, the Midsummer Classic on August 1.

Bred by the renowned Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj, owned by Ronald Maharaj and trained by brother Robert he appears to be “Last Man Standing,” after being runner-up to two-year-old champ All For Java on all but one occasion, before this half brother went wrong.

All For Java is due back for the Derby, however, and if brought back fighting fit by trainer Shaffique Khan, could well deny Sara’s Music.

When second entry was taken on Wednesday last, there were 42 three-year-olds for which subscriptions were paid.

A third fee of $600 becomes due on August 2.

Meanwhile, connections are reminded that fourth and final payment of $300 each for the Midsummer Classic becomes due on Wednesday.