By Ainsley Walters, Staff ReporterCLASSIC ACCOUNT, already consistent and now down in class, should be the horse to beat in today's 1500-metre George Price Memorial feature race at Caymanas Park.
Dropping CLASSIC ACCOUNT a class below his $240,000 claim tag for today's trophy event, trainer Dennis Lee has made a calculated gamble after claiming the five-year-old gelding from Kenneth Mattis late July.
Steadily inching down from Overnight Allowance company since the start of the year, CLASSIC ACCOUNT might not have won but placed in most of his races, even starting as favourite when finishing 2 1/2 lengths fourth behind RAJMIR, ATLANTIC PRINCESS and PRINCESS ZARA early July.
It must have been that finish which prompted Lee to claim away the gelding from Mattis on his next outing, another good run behind upsetter GATLIN, ATLANTIC PRINCESS and RAJMIR.
RAJMIR and ATLANTIC PRINCESS have since returmned to beat $250,000 level whereas CLASSIC ACCOUNT was aimed up in class, a cheeky blowout at 1820 metres on a $290,000 tag early last month.
In that run, CLASSIC ACCOUNT disputed the lead to the half-mile, quite a long way, before running wide into the straight.
With that blowout under his belt, Lee's runner must be a good thing. Still, back-to-form QUEEN HILL, who won two weeks ago at a mile, comfortably beating LADY SOLO, not to mention BAY SAVAGE out of sight, could be a dangerous contender.
The eight-year-old mare really won strong and again looked good at exercise Friday, galloping 36.0 flat out of the straight.
The railbirds are also touting GENERAL VERRAZANO to skip a class and score a win under Joe Buchanan. Last time out the five-year-old gelding chased home MAN OF STAR at a mile.
Word is out that the gamble is on. He has good back class but can only be taken on trust.
