Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
TOMORROW'S WELL-SUPPORTED 10-race programme at Caymanas Park will be highlighted by the 37th running of the prestigious Gold Cup race over 1400 metres for top class horses. The race is being sponsored for the first time by the United Bookmakers Association (UBA) comprising Track Price Plus, Champion and Markham.
A star-studded field of nine has been declared from which the reigning 'Horse of the Year' I'MSATISFIED (Winston Griffiths up) who is gunning to win the race for the third consecutive year, his lightly weighted stable-companion HERECOMESFUDGIE (Peter Bryan), Superstakes winner PITTACUS (Shane Ellis) and the classy imported horse FORGOTTEN HERO (Trevor Simpson) are top contenders for the lion's share of $1.25 million purse.
Others such as the crack American sprinter LIL' COUNTRY BOY, Superstakes runner-up ROYAL RUN along with METEOR MAN, who ran a blinder for second against stable-companion FORGOTTEN HERO in the recent Red Stripe Mile for imported horses, should ensure a highly competitive race.
With the form horses dominating on Wednesday, both the Pick-9 and Super-6 were won by many. Both start anew tomorrow, the Super-6 being the focus of attention as usual. This will be conducted on races five through to 10.
The fifth is a restricted allowance V (non winners of two) for four-year-olds and up to be contested by 12 starters over 1100 metres.
With nothing outstanding in the line-up, it would be wise to string along with the lightly weighted but speedy PRIME POSSESSION who opened his account in post to post fashion over 1300 metres on November 26, holding on grimly in a tight photo finish from COUNTESS GIM who paid tribute to the form by winning her subsequent race.
PRIME POSSESSION, who opened a long lead into the straight that day before shortening in the last furlong, should welcome the shorter distance and having much scope for improvement, the 4-y-o son of Prime Rate Powers - Regal Possession should repeat at the expense of LADY FAIZAH, LYSA PRELUDE and THE PURPLE SKY.
The sixth race over the straight course for native bred two-year-olds should resolve itself into a straight fight between RUN PAPA RUN and EASTERN LIGHT, second and third respectively to BATTLE AXE in the Royal Lancaster Trophy over the round five course on November 15.
THE SPEED
RUN PAPA RUN, who in finishing second to BATTLE AXE was three lengths ahead of the debutante EASTERN LIGHT, has the speed to set of in front once again and should stave off his old rival who has looked improved at exercise since his initial effort.
COZY PROSPECTOR, who lost narrowly to BLUE CANTREL over the circular nine course last Saturday owing to an indifferent ride, should make amends in the seventh race for native bred three-year-olds over 1100 metres, despite the presence of the lightly raced but well prepared KINKOTSU LIU LIU who has been administered lasix for the first time.
COZY PROSPECTOR reverts to sharp sprints on this occasion and with her well-being fully exposed, should win from the very dangerous KINKOTSU LIU LIU, who returns from a seven-month in good nick, and CORDITE in a 13-strong field.
In-form trainer Richie Todd, who posted four winners on Wednesday, has another lined up in course specialist INSTRUMENTAL in the eighth race, following his good second to out-of-class stable-companion THE SEVENTH WAVE over the distance in fast time on November 29. INSTRUMENTHAL again has the services of champion jockey Trevor Simpson and this is a plus in the gelding's favour. LITTLE PALIUM and MEZZALUNA should follow him home.
Race nine for the UBA Gold Cup should provide keen competition among the quartet of I'MSATISFIED, FORGOTTEN HERO, PITTACUS and the lightly weighted HERECOMESFUDGIE, all working like gladiators.
I'MSATISFIED beat FORGOTTEN HERO by a nose when they last met in the None Such Sprint Trophy over 1200 metres on October 18 but to my mind, FORGOTTEN HERO had no luck in running that day, having experienced a rough passage from the number one post position and having to take the long route on the outside leaving the half mile.
In the end, it could have gone either way, but thanks to an inspired ride from Winston Griffiths, I'MSATISFIED held on grimly in a tremendous stretch duel. The two class horses renew rivalry on identical terms - 2.0kg apart.
With both being well drawn on the outside of the field, it could come down to riding tactics. While I have every respect for I'MSATISFIED, FORGOTTEN HERO will prove hard to beat over 1400 metres and thus gets my vote. PITTACUS and HERECOMESFUDGIE are both light enough to enter the reckoning.
The closing straight five claiming ($140,000) race should provide the recent dual winner ZEALOT with her second win over the straight since November 22. The four-year-old filly is extremely fit and despite the sound claims of course specialists KING OF THE BAND, CHUCKY, LADY SABITA and DIANA'S HOPE, she catches my fancy.
SUPER-6 FANCIES
(1) PRIME POSSESSION/LADY FAIZAH/THE PURPLE SKY
(2) RUN PAPA RUN/EASTERN LIGHT
(3) COZY PROSPECTOR/KINKOTSU LIU LIU
(4) INSTRUMENTAL
(5) FORGOTTEN HERO/I'MSATISFIED/PITTACUS
(6) ZEALOT/KING OF THE BAND/LADY SABITA
