Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
Al's Jewel (right), ridden by Paul Ramsay for trainer Gary Subratie, leads Jedi Rocket and Bird Stow which finished fourth, on his way to winning the seventh race for the Titania Trophy. Al's Jewel won by a length and a half from the favourite Black River (out of picture), while Jedi Rocket (Wesley Henry) ended third and Bird Stow (Andron Findley) finished fourth. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
ELEVEN ENTRIES have been received for this Saturday's rescheduled Gold Cup over 1400 metres at Caymanas Park, but it will not have the benefit of a sponsor.
The popular grade one race was originally scheduled to be run last Saturday with new sponsors Hi-Pro Feeds at the helm.
However, only three of the 10 entries (A King Is Born, Clock Work, Seattle's Girl) stood their ground at declaration time, forcing a postponement.
To compound matters, Hi-Pro also withdrew its sponsorship from the race. As a result the purse for Saturday's race will be only $800,000.
Last year the race was sponsored to the tune of $1.25 million by the United Bookmakers Association (UBA), but they withdrew sponsorship this year, not only for the Gold Cup but the 1000 and 2000 Guineas as well.
Significantly, last week six of the 10 entries came from the stables of champion trainer-designate Wayne DaCosta. However, when entries were re-submitted on Saturday, DaCosta only had two horses - CLOCK WORK and FORMALLY GOLD.
Indications are that the race will go through as scheduled this week, but not with as many as 11 starters.
FIVE FROM FEANNY
Outgoing champion trainer Philip Feanny has nominated five horses in last year's winner A KING IS BORN, WICKY WACKY, MISS CHESTNUT, MY PLEASURE and CAPTAIN BONE, while in-form trainer Anthony 'Baba' Nunes has three entries in AD INFINITUM, THE MINISTER and EPICTATUS.
Trainer Dwight Chen has re-entered the American filly SEATTLE'S GIRL who recently romped the Gladiator Trophy over the Gold Cup distance.
Although Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) sources were tight-lipped as to the real reasons behind last week's postponement due to "insufficient entries" for one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, dating back to 1967 when it was known as the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup, informed sources are putting a different spin on the situation.
Some are saying that the handicapping of the horses left a lot to be desired. But others say the real reason is one-upmanship on the part of certain elements who do not want the race to be run.
