By Orville Clarke, Freelance WriterGUINEAS HEROINE AERO COMMANDER will go for her second classic win in the 64th running of the Courts Jamaica Oaks for the Hilma Veira Trophy at Caymanas Park on Saturday, April 26.
Details for 'Oaks Day is Ladies Day' were announced by Courts marketing manager Judith Forte-Blake, Caymanas Track Limited's (CTL) executive manager-marketing, Millicent Lynch and racing secretary Denzil Miller Jr. at yesterday's launch of the season's third classic, at the Terra Nova Hotel, Waterloo Road.
The weekend will embrace back-to-back race meets on Friday, April 25 and Saturday 26 when the tent will be activated on the infield.
In keeping with the Oaks Day/Ladies Day theme, CTL will this year honour 24 nurses singled out by their peers to have made significant contribution to the Health sector in Jamaica. This announcement was made by Forte-Blake who also disclosed that the purse for the 2000-metre classic for native bred three-year-old fillies, is a whopping $2 million.
Courts Jamaica Limited will put up $1.3 million, the lion's share going to the Oaks purse and the rest towards promotional activities.
"Courts Jamaica Oaks is truly a family event", declared the marketing manager of the furniture/appliance giant. She said there will be prizes and surprises for lucky patrons, as this year promises to be even more exciting than the last.
No major raceday would be complete without the popular Kiddies Stables at Caymanas Park. CTL, in association with Courts, will host over 200 children, most drawn from the Best Care Lodge, Walker's Place of Safety and the Marigold Place of Safety. The Kiddies Stables features pony rides, bounceabout, games and a library. An appeal was made for the donation of books to the library.
NURSES ADMITTED FREE
Lynch, in her turn, said the "ladies of Courts is going to give you the surprise of your life... the Treasure Hunt". However, she declined to give details at this time.
What she did reveal was that ladies (and nurses) will be admitted free to the grandstand and clubstand areas. In addition, two nurses working at Caymanas Park for well over 20 years (nurses Wallen and Francis) will be specially recognised said Lynch.
"CTL is delighted to honour these women of substance", said Lynch. "Join us and share with us on these two racedays".
Denzil Miller Jr. said the Oaks purse of $2 million is the largest on the calendar for 3-y-o fillies. According to the CTL racing secretary, he is expecting 16 fillies to participate.... AERO COMMANDER, Guineas runner-up ONE ONE NINE, the third horse RISING STAR, as well as INCORPORATE, PERFECT STORM, SHE'S A RANKING, THE RASTAFARIAN, XTRA ROYAL, WAR TURF and of course, NAUGHTY BY NATURE who was a beaten favourite in last Saturday's Track Price Plus 2000 Guineas after stumbling at the start.
No mention was made of the unbeaten filly QUIET GIANT, but jockey Charles Hussey, who was present at the launching along with his mom, Ruth (owner of Quiet Giant and Aero Commander) said QUIET GIANT (who missed the Guineas) has just resumed training and yesterday morning did a light work in which she finished tired.
"She definitely won't be ready for the Oaks and it doesn't make sense rushing her", said the four-time champion jockey.
In addition to Hussey, other riders present were former champion Wesley Henry, along with Richie Mitchell and top apprentice riders Oneil Mullings, Paul Francis and Dane Nelson.
Meanwhile, today's 11-race programme at Caymanas Park features the $100,000 claiming race for the Dr. David "Jack" Raddix Memorial Cup to be run in two divisions over the circular nine course."
Twelve starters have been declared for both divisions and indications are that MEADOW STAR and TROPICAL STAR, both dropped in class, will win their respective sections as they truly relish the circular course. I also like PRODEEDACCORDINGLY in the 1st, CHAMPION MELODY to catch the debutant GUIDANCE (working well) in the 2nd, PRODIGAL SON to romp the 5th, DR. RSF over FLYING TIGER in the 7th.
