By V. Lloyd Simpson, ContributorIT IS not too early for avid horseracing enthusiasts to start focusing on the pending drama of the excitement in store as the Red Stripe Jamaica Derby and the St. Leger draw nearer into the topsy-turvy and considerably bewildering saga of this year's classic series.
Last year, the composite outcome of the series was not half as compelling or bewildering as the Philip Feanny-trained warrior queen Simply Magic literally made a procession consisting of all and sundry, fillies, colts and gelding alike, in all four races of her classic campaign.
This year, given the erratic trend of the series with Aero Commander annexing the 1000 Guineas then opting out of the Jamaica Oaks, the filly Naughty By Nature soundly beaten into sixth place in the Oaks but landing the Oaks with a stirring run, the titan A King Is Born winning the 2000 Guineas but shortening to the Lotto Jamaica Two-Year-Old stakes winner Rear Admiral in the event over the closing metres.
Another top gun who is being prepared to make a big impact on the series is Banjuhar.
As a two-year-old, Banjuhar finished second two lengths adrift of A King Is Born in the field of six over the minimum 800 metres straight and two lengths ahead of Scotch On The Rocks third while running 48.1. All three carried 53kg. That was on June 15 last year.
In the Prince Consort stakes run over 1400 metres, Banjuhar finished second to ARCHANGEL, and in the 2000 Guineas run over 1600 metres on April 5, he turned in his best performance to date by finishing third behind Rear Admiral in a creditable time of 1.40.4.
A King Is Born won the event, but was shortening to Rear Admiral.
All of the foregoing would place a great deal of importance on Saturday's Lotto Classic for The Governor's Cup - the poor man's derby as it is called - to be run over 2,000 metres.
REJECTED BY THE TOP GUNS
The race is usually rejected by the top guns because of what many connections consider to be crippling, severe and fatigue-inducing weight regimes. It should have some bearing on the pending Derby to be run on June 14, however, because of the participation of the Percy Hussey-trained Theia who turned in the impressive time of 1.33.2 in winning from Prince Nathaniel by 11 lengths and Hi-Joe a further five lengths back in third.
The fact that Theia toted 54.5kg, Prince Nathaniel 55kg, and Hi Joe 52 kg, Theia would seem to be a quality stayer for the Derby.
Other prominent contenders in Saturday's Lotto Classic are Galaxy Girl, Banjuhar 50.5kg, Arch Angel 57kg, Good Company 56kg, Pittacus 56kg, One One Nine 51kg, Herecomesfudgie 48.5kg, and Gamma Knife 52.5kg.
The remaining contenders of the field of 15 are only mere hopefuls. They are the Minister at 54.5kg, Tahbo 54.5kg, To Sir With Love 53kg, Real Risk 50.5kg, and Queen of Diamonds 45kg.
At such lenient allocations as 50.5, 51kg, 51kg for Banjuhar, One One Nine and Theia, respectively, it is difficult to see any of the remaining 12 contenders separating the three at the post.
The forecast therefore is Banjuhar, One One Nine and Theia in that order with Good Company probably completing the frame.
