TODAY's moderately supported eight-race programme at Caymamas Park offers no trophy races, hence the $200,000 Restricted Allowance IV (non winners of three) over 1100 metres takes the spotlight.
Included in the 10-horse field are last year's 2000 Guineas winner OK DON, to be ridden by Charles Hussey for brother Percy; DIXIE FLYER who finished a close up fourth in Saturday's straight five feature for the G.A. "Sarge" Bucknor Memorial Trophy, and the fleet-footed ONE MORE TIME and GUARDIAN ANGEL, who ran encouragingly behind CASTAGNA on August 26.
I am expecting the winner to emerge from this quartet even though others such as SILVER CURRENCY and the speedy NORAN BATMAN are fit enough to keep them honest.
Despite that good effort from DIXIE FLYER, who usually reserves her better efforts for the straight five course, OK DON should come into his own and prove hard to beat.
The four-year-old grey gelding, who changed stables when returning from a 14-month absence on August 26, represents the class horse of the field and if anything, will be a lot better for the run.
OK DON, who was formerly trained by the veteran Joshua Morrison when winning both the Toyota Cup in December 1998 and 2000 Guineas in April of last year, ran no race at all when making his belated seasonal debut behind the progressive American filly RATIFIED in Starter Handicap company, finishing 12 lengths sixth after missing the break.
THE DON has caught the eye at exercise since and now seems ready to put the brakes on the present opposition.
While I fancy his chances, DIXIE FLYER will ensure he is fully extended up the lane, while ONE FOR TIME and GUARDIAN ANGEL will not be far away at the end.
Other firm fancies on the card are RUDE BOY to romp the first race for maidens, stable-companion THE WHITE WITCH in the 3rd, SILVER STREAK to turn the tables on recent conqueror JUST COOL and BAY SAVAGE in the 5th, SIR THAKUR BABA to catch CHUCKY and LET THE MUSIC PLAY in the 7th.
By Orville Clarke
Freelance Writer
