By Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
Francis... to ride RED LADY. - File
FEATURE EVENT on today's 11-race programme at Caymanas Park is the $100,000 claiming race for the Roderick "Pilot" Francis Memorial Trophy over 1200 metres, to be contested by a maximum field of 16.
Despite the large field, I think the race can be narrowed down to the speedy RED LADY, CALL TO ARMS, PHYSICS BOOK, FRENCH MINISTER, FIGHT FOR LIFE and QUEEN OF CASTILE who won by all of seven lengths over the straight course when last raced on February 22.
Although sparingly raced of late, the five-year-old mare from the stables of Peter McMaster will report quite sound and although best over the straight, is no chicken over the round course either. Being a mudlark, the daughter of Royal Minister - Bella Isabella could prove hard to beat if it rains.
FRENCH MINISTER went close in her last race over 1400 metres on March 28, when beaten by SILVER PATRIOT. The seven-year-old mare is not only fit but has shown a distinct liking for this trip, having beaten a good field over same on February 15. If she returns in similar shape, a winning run could again be on the cards.
In addition to FRENCH MINISTER and QUEEN OF CASTILE, the others with sound chances are CALL TO ARMS, PHYSICS BOOK (if sound) and of course, RED LADY who has won two of her last four races, the more recent by 5 1/2 lengths from BLACK MAGIC WOMAN and FIGHT FOR LIFE.
Prior to that on March 1, RED LADY made all over 1300 metres to beat PALMETTO XPRESS and CALL TO ARMS who renews rivalry today.
Although beaten into fourth place by POINT GUARD over this trip on April 12, RED LADY led for over 600 metres and was not really disgraced on a $120,000 claiming tag.
Now back among her peers and a trophy at stake, she should prove hard to beat from her convenient mark of 52.0kg and top apprentice Paul Francis riding for trainer Charles Morrissey.
I am expecting RED LADY to lead home CALL TO ARMS, QUEEN OF CASTILE and FRENCH MINISTER.
Other firm fancies on the card are classic aspirant GOOD COMPANY to catch PITTACUS in the opening race, SPIRIT OF JAMAICA to repeat in the 3rd, MEDIATOR to make all in the 5th, RAJMIR to catch old rival CIRCLE DE THRONE in the 6th, THEIA in the 9th and EMPERADOR over OK DN and MR. LONGINO in the 10th race over the circular nine course.
