Messiah, Man Of Class in Santa Rosa rumble

TRIPLE Crown winner Carnival Messiah is aiming for a quick double at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, today, having won very easily on CLICO Midsummer Classic Day.

But Wilma Primus’ five-year-old who has thrived since returning from a failed stint of racing in the United States, will find a very hard nut to crack in the Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj-owned and trained Man Of Class in today’s feature Allowance race over 1200 metres. Man Of Class is a very consistent soert, particularly over the shorter distances and will be receiving two kilos from The Messiah. Jockey tactics could decide this race however, with the cagey Ricky Jadoo up against a bang in form Rajpaul Rajkumar.  Another seeking a quick repeat is Joan Of Arc who gave the popular David Ojar his maiden victory as a trainer. This filly cleverly won a maiden event, but the manner in which she battled on after leading most of the way gives confidence to backers.

Copy Cat, another from the “Boboy” Maharaj barn who failed when well fancied on the Labour Day programme, should go very close in the three-year-old turf event over 1100 metres on the turf course. This filly will have most to fear from the speedy Mary Magdalene, Never Ever Worrie and Sir Vidia. The first optional claiming event should go to City Of Lights with Brian Harding in the saddle, and the rider can double up astride Sea Spider. Harding looks like the jockey to follow today, with Fantastic Lad holding a good chance in the day’s opener, and has Touch Wood as his mount in the other optional claimer over 1200 metres. He also rides Affirm Decision in the Handicap event on the turf track over 1100 metres.