Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

THE SEASON'S first classics, the Jamaica Licensed Bookmakers' 1000 and 2000 Guineas to be run over 1600 metres at Caymanas Park on Saturday, have attracted maximum fields of 16 and both promise keen competition.

However, the 1000 Guineas, confined to native bred three-year-old fillies, has lost much of its sparkle with the withdrawal of the ante-post favourite GLITTER CLEARANCE who has been sidelined by a leg injury.

Trained by the veteran Lloyd 'Bigga' Gordon, GLITTER CLEARANCE established herself as favourite for the fillies classic following her runaway victory under Wesley 'Callaloo' Henry in the March 17 Thornbird Stakes (Guineas Trial) over 1400 metres on a muddy surface. However, the trainer's hopes of saddling his first classic winner went up in smoke when GLITTER CLEARANCE suffered a serious setback at exercise last Saturday morning.

A disappointed Henry, who was anticipating his first classic win with the filly, said her preparation was going smoothly upto early last week.

"However, after working her on Wednesday morning, she did not seem right when I dismounted and I told the trainer to check her out.

"On Saturday morning, she did not work badly, galloping three furlongs in 35.3. But after the work, it was discovered that she had a problem with her left foreleg and on further examination, it was found that she had sustained a hairline fracture."

As a result, GLITTER CLEARANCE had to be withdrawn and, according to Henry, "she might not race again".

In the absence of GLITTER CLEARANCE, the Percy Hussey-trained FIRST PRINCESS, who was runner-up to her in the Thornbird Stakes, has assumed the market leader position with 'Hall of Fame' jockey Charles Hussey down to ride for his mom, Ruth.

The Gary Subratie-trained RIO INFINITO, third in the trial, should also receive strong support. Wayne DaCosta's maiden filly RIGGED TO WIN (working well) and Subratie's XPRESS CARD, along with GRACE MARIE from the stables of Barry Dawes, should provide keen competition in a bid for the major share of the $2.5 million purse.