Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer 
CRUISING ALTITUDE (Douglas Badaloo) wins the 8th race over the straight five course at Caymanas PArk on Wednesday. He won at odds of 5-1. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
Imported horses take the spotlight at Caymanas Park today when 10 face the starter in the third running of the million-dollar CTL Imported Stakes (open allowance) over 1400 metres.
Also on the well-supported 12-race programme is the Reggae Trophy (Grade I) race over the straight five course in which six horses have been declared.
Despite the small field, it should resolve itself into a three-cornered tussle involving top weight MUSICAL MAESTRO, LA REINA and NASATOL, all winners last time out.
The Dwight Chen-trained MUSICAL MAESTRO, who shoulders the crushing impost of 60.5kg under leading jockey Trevor Simpson, left us on a winning note July 7 when slamming CLOCK WORK in the She's On Wheels Trophy over 1100 metres.
Although absent since, MUSICAL MAESTRO has been taken to task at exercise in preparation (galloping five furlongs from the gate in 58.1) for this trophy, and his class, should carry him through over this, his pet trip.
The bang-in-form five-year-old mare LA REINA and the remarkable grey gelding NASATOL, both of whom enjoy galloping over the straight, will have their supporters. Both will be coming to run and should ensure that MUSICAL MAESTRO is extended.
Meanwhile, the American-bred five-year-old mare EXPLOSIVE PEAK will try to win the CTL Imported Stakes for the second time, despite having to carry top weight of 60.5kg with Simpson aboard.
EXPLOSIVE PEAK won the inaugural running in 2005 with lightweight jockey Wesley Henry riding for trainer Peter McMaster. And last year, she went under in a driving finish to the Wayne DaCosta-trained EXCLUSIVE RUNNER.
EXPLOSIVE PEAK bids for a hat-trick of wins after winning her last two races over the straight five course. However, the big question is whether she can successfully give away weight all around.
EXPLOSIVE PEAK (working well) will have to contend with the speed of UNKNOWN VARIABLE and PASSA PASSA. With this in mind, the pace will more than likely come back to the run-on horses - ALPHA LUPA, FIRST IN THE SAND and the vastly improved HOOKEDONJAZZ.
The one I like best is the Anthony Nunes-trained ALPHA LUPA to be ridden by Paul Francis from the convenient mark of 53.0kg.
This American 5-y-o grey mare scored over the distance in November of last year when beating UNTOUCHABLE and MEDICAL REPORT. She came back to win over the circular nine course quite easily on August 6 and having caught the eye at exercise in preparation for this race, her final rattle will prove hard to withstand.
Based on her fast-finishing third to CLASSY BOY PETE over 1300 metres on June 27 when beaten a length in open allowance company, ALPHA LUPA should win this race on the strength of that performance. She looks leniently treated with 53.0kg and should win from the well-trained grey gelding HOOKEDONJAZZ, FIRST IN THE SAND and EXPLOSIVE PEAK.
Other firm fancies on the card are CHIPONYOURSHOULDER to stave off RIGGED TO WIN in the second race, LA'S DANCDER in the fourth, GETAWAY BOY ahead of ROYAL MAJESTY in the ninth, MAGDALA to catch speedy QUEEN TAMARA in the 10th and JADORE to squeeze home from PRINCESS CUT in the 12th and final for maidens.
