Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
HENRY
FOLLOWING A break of five weeks, mid-week racing resumes at Caymanas Park today with race No. 4 in the CTL claiming series over 1600 metres taking the spotlight.
The race (claiming $200,000 and less) has attracted 11 starters and there is enough good recent form present to ensure keen competition.
Included in the lineup are the respective winners of races one and two in the series, RAZZAK and ISLAND CIGAR, who as recent as Easter Monday finished a close fourth (closing) to TOCUMEN over the round five course, a distance short of his best.
In addition to ISLAND CIGAR, other hopefuls are recent winner RED GENERAL, MANISH who followed him home that day and, of course, CORDITE who takes a significant drop in class to vie for this trophy.
When last contesting a $200,000 tag on February 25, CORDITE made hacks of the opposition over 1500 metres, winning by eight lengths from SIR KNIGHT and subsequent winner FROMRUSSIAWITHLOVE.
CORDITE was claimed from Donovan Bruce out of that race by fellow trainer Rowan Mathie and subsequently ran below expectations over the distance on April 15 when beaten into seventh place by a rejuvenated FROMRUSSIAWITHLOVE on a $290,000 tag.
It should be recalled that CORDITE ran without his customary visor that day and it has been refitted for this race.
With a trophy now at stake, CORDITE should rebound with a vengeance.
Owned by Jockey's Enterprise, the six-year-old gelding by Irish Quest out of Runaway Native looks leniently treated with 52kg and with connections opting for title-chasing jockey Wesley 'Callaloo' Henry, the hint should be taken.
In recent months, CORDITE has beaten ISLAND CIGAR and RED GENERAL, not to mention SIR KISSON LAL and RAZZAK rather convincingly.
Now back to his happy hunting ground, he should win from ISLAND CIGAR and RED GENERAL with former and current champion jockeys Trevor Simpson and Brian Harding, respectively, slated.
I am expecting CORDITE to race close up in the early stages as RAZZAK, ISLAND CIGAR and CROP OVER set the early fractions. He should assume the lead leaving the half mile and win convincingly.
Other firm fancies on the card are HE'SLOOKINGGOOD (Lasix on) in the fourth race, MAJESTIC KING in the fifth, FIRE WORKS in the sixth and SWEET JADE to upstage SPARK PLUG and RENEE'S STAR in the ninth and final race for $160,000 claimers.
