Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer TWO TROPHIES are at stake on today's mid-week programme at Caymanas Park, both in memory of trainers.
These are the 4-y-o and up restricted allowance for the George Headley Jr. Memorial Cup over 1400 metres and the $260,000-$220,000 claiming for the Mortimer 'Morty' Heron Memorial Cup over the circular nine course.
MEMORY OF TRAINERS
It is fitting that both races are being run during Trainers' Association week, which climaxes in a big way at Caymanas Park on Saturday with the Azan's sponsored Jamaica Racehorse Trainers Association (JRTA) Day featuring the Azan Home Depot Trophy, the JRTA Trophy, Reggae Trophy in addition to four other trophy races to perpetuate the memory of trainers.
Seven starters have been declared for the 'Morty' Heron Memorial Cup and in a race were at least five have good claims, it would appear that SWEET JADE, ELEGANCE and SAID I SAID I are the main hopefuls.
The Glenville Morrissey-trained SWEET JADE has the most appealing form, having closed fast into second behind DIGITAL over a mile on November 12, this on a $260,000 claiming tag.
SWEET JADE has shown a particular liking for this circular course and won over same in decisive fashion on October 1. And weeks before that she failed by half a length to catch IRISH STAR over the distance. With her fitness not in doubt, SWEET JADE should be able to take care of SAID I SAID I and ELEGANCE in her present frame of mind.
SAID I SAID I caught the eye when last running over the course on October 25, finishing 7 1/2 lengths sixth to ZEEDON after turning for home a two-length leader. The five-year-old gelding past the furlong pole a close up third before weakening out of he frame, but that performance was achieved on a $330,00 tag and with less to do in present company, he is not to be taken lightly.
With the fleet-footed MR. LONGINO expected to set a strong gallop into the straight, this should pave the way for SWEET JADE, SAID I SAID I and ELEGANCE.
SWEET JADE, the mount of in-form apprentice Philip Clunis, should prove strongest of all in the final rush, but it could be close..
WON BACK-TO-BACK RACES
Clunis should complete the cup double aboard HERBALIST in the George Headley Jr. Memorial Cup to be contested by seven starters. The 4-y-o colt from the stables of Paul Francis has won back-to-back races in recent weeks, culminating in an eight-length win over SUPERHEAT at 1,500 metres on November 8, covering the distance in the good time of 1:34.4 for this level.
Back in action a fit animal, HERBALIST minus Clunis' 2kg claiming allowance, will not be easily denied with 55kg.
Other firm fancies are HEARTOFAMAVERICK to romp the first race for two-year-olds, down in class REJECT over RED GENERAL in the knotty fourth race, SIR ABBAS MANGAL in the seventh, CHAMBO KOO to stave off stable-companion SEEMELATER and GANADOR in the eighth and UNDERCOVERLOVER to catch PRIME POSSESSION in the ninth and final. Post time is 1:00.
