By Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer WITH a carryover of $261,087.00 propping up tomorrow's Racing Pools game, a first prize of $500,000 looks a real possibility.
The programme gets underway with a Restricted Allowance V race (non winners of two) over the circular nine course in which SUMO from the Patrick Fong camp looks the one to beat in the field of six.
The four-year-old gelding, to be ridden by former champion Shane Ellis, was not disgraced when finishing a fair third to AMANDA'S GOLD over 1500 metres on January 18. With the extended trip more to his liking, he should win from GILNOCK and RESTLESS RUFFLE, both ideally suited to the distance as well.
Another field of six is slated for the second race over the straight five course, this confined to native bred three-year-olds. Here, the choice has got to be FLYING TIGER who is unbeaten in two starts. The chestnut gelding from the stables of champion trainer Wayne DaCosta held on well over the round five course to beat ROYAL TIARA by a short head on November 16 and having progressed along the right lines at exercise in the interim, looks hard to oppose in this small field.
Down in class PALMETTO XPRESS has obviously found the right company in the third race over the circular nine course and whatever beats him in the eight-strong field, will surely win.
Last Saturday, the seven-year-old gelding was highly fancied at 2-1 to win over 1400 metres on a $145,000 claming tag, but in the end could only manage fifth (beaten 9 1/2 lengths) to runaway winner FRANCESCA'S DREAM after racing prominently into the straight.
Back on a $100,000 tag, PALMETTO XPRESS who has beaten better in the not to distant past, is hard to oppose under in-form jockey Clive Lynch. He should lead home KATAN, Saturday's scorer MEADOW STAR and recent winner SILVER PATRIOT.
The fourth race over 1200 metres confined to apprentice riders looks tailored for the fleet-footed MR. EDMUNDO, a 4-y-o gelding who scored a notable upset over the distance on November 30. On that occasion, MR. EDMUNDO accounted for POLISH STAR (2nd) and YOUNG SUMMER (3rd), both winners since. This speaks volumes for his chances and I take him to lead home EL MATADOR, FREEDOM CREST and TOM CAT.
Race five for maiden four-year-olds and up could at last provide CARDINAL LAW with his first win. The grey gelding has been knocking at the door for the longest while and although nothing to write home about, should be good enough to beat SUZIE Q, RUM CAKE and JUSTIN JORDON, all of whom have shown worthwhile ability.
The last race should be won by ZIRCON (consistent), THE BARBARIAN (readied for this) and BONNIE'S FLAG (back among her peers). Their respective dangers are ARCO IRIS in the 6th, RUCKUS in the 7th for the Wayne DaCosta Trophy and LET THE MUSIC PLAY at night.
