Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer
CROP OVER (second left), ridden by Wesley Henry, is about to overall long-time leader SEGA (third right), with Devon A. Thomas aboard, to win the 10th race over 1200 metres by a neck at Caymanas Park last Saturday. Ownerd and trained by Philbert Watson, CROP OVER was the 8-5 second favourite. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
BOTTOM OF the barrel claimers hold centre stage at Caymanas Park today when 12 of them contest the circular nine feature for the Dr. David 'Jack' Radix Memorial Cup.
Included in the line-up is SIR CHACHA BABA, who has flattered to deceive so often, but now has a glorious chance to set the record straight.
Trained by Welsh Soutar, SIR CHACHA BABA can expect stiff competition from CRIMSON MAGIC who truly enjoys two turn races, MAMA'S GIRL who is knocking at the door, as well as MASS JOE, PATAS DE FUEGO and the course specialist FIASCO, who looks nicely in with 52.0kg.
SIR CHACHA BABA and the Alroy Watson-trained CRIMSON MAGIC are basically better than this level on their best form and along with MAMA'S GIRL should carry the bulk of the betting.
SIR CHACHA BABA was all the rage for a 1600-metre race on March 22, but in the end could only manage third (beaten 11 lengths) to the out-of-class SIR MOHANDAS BABA, who won by 8 3/4 lengths from MAMA'S GIRL.
At the revised weights, SIR CHACHA BABA is 5.0kg better off with Robert Darby's MAMA'S GIRL for 2 1/4 lengths beating and is now expected to turn the tables. Both, however, are ideally suited to the distance and are sure to run well.
SIR CHACHA BABA will welcome this milder pace and with former champion jockey Trevor Simpson now taking the ride, the hint should be taken.
The Noel Ennevor-trained FIASCO should also enter the reckoning from his convenient mark of 52.0kg and competent Kenyatta Davis down to ride him. The eight-year-old gelding notched his last win over the distance on August 31 last year, beating subsequent winner MYBLUBELLE by a head in the fairly good time of 2:00.2.
MUCH IN FIASCO'S FAVOUR
Since then FIASCO has failed to follow up in three subsequent races, but today has much in his favour and could rise to the occasion over this his pet trip.
CRIMSON MAGIC should come in for a lot of support, despite finishing lame on March 1 when five lengths third to MYBLUBELLE over 2000 metres, this as the 3-2 favourite.
On that occasion CRIMSON MAGIC was claimed from trainer Robert Darby Sr. by Alroy Watson who has removed his customary Lasix for this race. Indications are that Watson has the son of Splinter Red Bag Of Diamonds in better shape today and now eased in the weights, his back class could well do the trick.
It would appear that SIR CHACHA BABA and CRIMSON MAGIC (Philip Clunis up) hold the key to the outcome, with the free running SIR CHACHA BABA just getting the nod.
Firm fancies on the card are THUNDER SQUAD to upstage SENOR GATO in the 7th race, PRIOR PARK in the 8th, DATING in the 9th and RED I in the closing race over the straight five course.
