Wesley HenryFRIDAY racing is on at Caymanas Park today for the second straight week.
Today's race card, however, was not one of the scheduled Friday meets. It came about when the race meet originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 16 was cancelled as the General Election coincided with that date.
The fairly well supported 10-race programme will feature the Restricted Allowance IV (non winners of three) for the Glen T. Williamson Cup over 2000 metres along with the Sunnyside Stakes for native bred two-year-old fiillies over 1100 metres.
Thirteen starters have been declared for the Sunnyside Stakes, including six newcomers. The most forward of these is undoubtedly THEIA, a chestnut filly by Pat N Jac out of Aesop from the stables of Percy Hussey who has a knack for producing two-year-old winners first time asking.
THEIA, to be ridden by outgoing champion Charles Hussey, has looked real sharp at exercise in preparation for this, looking easily when ridden five furlongs on the round course in 1:01.4 on November 6.
This well conformed juvenile is bred to sprint and despite the claims of the experienced LOOK AT ME (visor on) and the Philip Feanny-trained SUPA LEI, who will have gained from her initial experience when unplaced (sixth) behind CITY LIGHTS on October 12, THEIA is expected to get off the mark right away.
Meanwhile, eight starters have been declared for the Glen T. Williamson Cup including top contenders ESPRESSO, DANCING FLAMES, SAID I SAID I and LITTLEREDRIDING HOOD.
While ESPRESSO and SAID I SAID I will be dangerous, especially if either is allowed to dictate the pace, the one to beat must surely be DANCING FLAMES who had no luck in running when finishing second to ROYAL FLIGHT over a mile when last raced on September 7, a race in which the 4-y-o daughter of Splinter Red was hindered at the half mile.
Earlier in the season, DANCING FLAMES slammed WARRIOR and ROYAL FLIGHT by 17 lengths over the circular nine course and having trained well in preparation for this trophy, should win at the expense of EXPRESSO and SAID I SAID I, both fit animals.
DANCING FLAMES, who is nicely in with 52.5kg, will be ridden by former champion jockey Wesley Henry for trainer Noel Ennevor.
Other firm fancies on the card are GUARDIAN ANGEL in the 1st, PLEASANT WOOD in the 5th, GENERAL VERRAZANO in the 7th, HONEY BEE in the 8th and JACO BITE in the closing race.
