Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
Bombay Princess, ridden by Chris Fearon (right), moves away from long-time leader Ugottabelieve to win the sixth race for maiden four-year-olds over 1500 metres at Caymanas Park last Saturday by the resounding margin of nine lengths. The winner, a 4-1 chance, is owned by Monica Edwards and trained by her husband Vin. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE INAUGURAL running of the Howard Phillipps Memorial Cup over 1100 metres (restricted allowance IV) is the feature event at Caymanas Park today, with 10 vying for top honours.
The trophy was donated by Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) to perpetuate the memory of the popular trainer, who was slain by a lone gunman within the confines of his stables shortly after the first race at Caymanas Park on Saturday, February 7, 2004.
Included in the line-up is last Wednesday's disqualified winner PRIOR PARK who renews rivalry with several of the horses he had behind him in that 1200-metre race.
From the in-form stables of Anthony Nunes, the four-year-old gelding produced a tremendous stretch run to lead well inside the last furlong, passing the post first in a blanket finish under Florida-based Jamaican jockey Allen Maragh.
Having caused interference to a number of horses when getting into top gear approaching the distance, his disqualification was inevitable.
SHARPER TRIP
Although back over a sharper trip, PRIOR PARK under former champion jockey Trevor Simpson could get there in the nick of time if the speedsters burn themselves out.
Significantly, PRIOR PARK renews rivalry with five horses he had behind in that race, including RIGMAROLE who finished a close up fifth (awarded third), ASTRO CRUNCH (6th), RAJPUT (7th) and the then favourite SAYONARA (11th).
The Philip Feanny-trained SAYONARA not only missed the break but was hampered by the winner when attempting to close up early in the straight. Despite this, she returns on a convenient mark and could recoup losses if the break goes her way.
HEZA RANKING, out for the first time since August, has the ability to make a race of it, while champion trainer Wayne DaCosta has two strong contenders in the free running horses RIGMAROLE and ABOUNDING GRACE, both well trained.
SHORTENED RAPIDLY
Last week Wednesday RIGMAROLE led at a fast clip to turn for home with a commanding lead. He seemingly had the race at his mercy when three lengths clear a furlong out, but shortened rapidly under top weight in the last 100 metres and was relegated to fifth (close up) by a wall of horses.
Given this reduced trip, RIGMAROLE with in-form Charles Hussey again in the saddle, is tipped to recoup losses.
Although having more speed to contend with today (Abounding Grace, Heza Ranking, I Am Not Ordinary), the 4-y-o old son of Outrigger can sit with the pace and gain the ascendancy in midstretch if the situation demands. He thus gets the nod over PRIOR PARK and ASTRO CRUNCH.
Other firm fancies on the 10-race card are DON'T STAY NAKED in the 2nd, MY PLEASURE in the 3rd, BIRD STOW 6th and the straight specialist GOINGTOKANSASCITY to repeat at the expense of SIR CHARLES in the 10th.
