-Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
Harmonics, running as the 7-5 favourite with Marklee Buchanan aboard, wins race No. 3 in the CTL claiming series over the straight five course, in a driving finish from the 99-1 outsider, Medical Account (out of pic), at Caymanas Park on Wednesday, to complete a double for trainer Desmond Shand on the 10-race programme.
Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
The three-year-old and up graded stakes feature for the Reggae Trophy over the straight five course is today's feature at Caymanas Park.
Of the six horses declared, four are from the stables of champion trainer Wayne DaCosta. Both YOUNG FOR ALL and TWENTY NINE seem out of their depth and from all indications are merely making up numbers to ensure that the race goes through.
Despite this, DaCosta still holds a strong hand with the crack American-bred sprinter LIL'COUNTRY BOY, to be ridden by four-time champion Charles Hussey, and the native bred four-year-old filly SI MI TRIAL, who recently won in fast time (57.3) over the course.
In the absence of the outstanding MIRACLE MAN and the late QUIET STRENGTH, LIL'COUNTRY BOY has been allotted top weight of 60.5kg., but this will not deter the fleet-footed six-year-old horse by Diligence out of Lil' Country Gal. Despite the big weight, he can prove equal to the task.
LIL' COUNTRY BOY is undoubtedly the fastest horse in the country and although facing stiff opposition from some very fit lightweights such as stable-companion SI MI TRIAL, who recently won in fast time (57.3) over the course, Brian Harding's mount LA REINA, who finished a close second in that race and the super-fit American filly SEATTLE'S GIRL under title-chasing jockey Wesley Henry, whoever catches him will surely win.
LIL'COUNTRY BOY was far from disgraced when finishing 5-3/4 lengths fifth to MIRACLE MAN in the recent Eileen Cliggott Trophy, a race in which he led to the furlong pole.
Burning up
He has been burning up the track at exercise in preparation for this trophy and should stave off the Dwight Chen-trained SEATTLE'S GIRL and LA REINA in deep stretch.
Other firm fancies on the card are ALLEGRO, now assured of strong handling to catch KERMIT and JELEN'S CHOICE in the second race over 1400 metres, HEZA RANKING to catch the front running THATSTHELAW in the 4th race, BANKER'S BULLION to go one better in the 7th and recent winner SKYWAY EXPRESS to repeat at the expense of ROYAL RUN and MONEY DANCER in the closing race over 1500 metres, following his fast time victory over 1400 metres on September 13.
