Wesley Henry... will pilot Fromajacktoaking.
Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
A MID-WEEK programme featuring the Reca Trophy (claiming $260,000-$220,000) over 1400 metres is on at Caymanas Park today.
Also on the 10-race card is the $140,000 claiming race for the Monica Todd Memorial Cup to be contested by 10 starters over 2000 metres.
Ten have also been declared for the Reca Trophy in which the leading lights are FROMAJACKTOAKING, PALO SECO, MY PAL DON, LADY ISIS, BLUE CANTREL and AFFIRMATION, to be ridden by champion jockey Trevor Simpson who is back from a three-day suspension.
The Norman Rose-trained AFFIRMATION has the pace to set off in front and in a race of this nature should make a brave bid. Still, PALO SECO appears to have a better chance.
Trained by Percy Hussey, the American 4-y-o colt was installed a 3-5 favourite for a straight five race when coming down to this grade last Wednesday, but found THAT'S GOLD too strong and had to settle for second in that fast-run race (59-2).
Now better for the run and the trip more to his liking, PALO SECO could well recoup losses. He returns on the convenient mark of 51kg thanks to apprentice Howard Newell's 3kg claiming allowance and on past performances, should fight out the finish.
Good runs are also expected from recent upset winner BLUE CANTREL, LADY ISIS , FROMAJACKTOAKING and the free running 5-y-o gelding MY PAL DON who, though last raced in May, has been pretty active at exercise in preparation for this trophy.
The one I like best, however, is FROMAJACKTOAKING who has beaten better in the not-too-distant past.
CLAIMED OUT
The six-year-old gelding from the stables of Barrington Rambally was claimed out of his last race on August 14 when finishing third to BOUND FOR GLORY over 1200 metres and now dropped in class to vie for this trophy, seems good enough to upstage his nine opponents.
Back on June 16, FROMAJACKTOAKING finished in a dead-heat for first with RED BOOTLACES over 1100 metres on a $350,000 tag. And prior to that he failed by half a length (closing) to catch RUCKUS in the Labour Day Trophy over 1200 metres, this on a $330,000 tag.
He returns on the convenient mark of 53kg and in the safe hands of former champion jockey Wesley 'Callaloo' Henry, should make no mistake over what is an ideal trip for him.
The recent course winner FLASHING LYNDA is tipped to repeat in the Monica Todd Memorial Cup even though having risen 3kg in the weights.
The far striding 4-y-o filly from the stables of Noel Ennevor ran on strongly to beat long-time leader QUEEN LITTLE SHOES by four lengths over the distance on August 24, covering the distance in good time of 2:13.1. Also behind in that race were FIASCO (third) and UNWANTED (fourth).
FLASHING LYNDA looks a cut above present company in my book and her final rattle should see her winning ahead of UNWANTED, QUEEN LITTLE SHOES and FIASCO.
Other firm fancies on the card are PROCEEDACCORDINGLY to complete the hat-trick at the expense of CRIMSON MAGIC in the first race, SENOR GATOR in the third, RAWHIDE KID to resume winning ways in the fourth and the down in class BROTHER DANIEL to lead home HAPHAZARD, GILNOCK and RED GENERAL in the closing race for high claimers over 1500 metres.
