Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

THIS SATURDAY'S Jamaica Licensed Bookmakers 2000 Guineas for native bred three-year-old colts and geldings over 1600 metres at Caymanas Park will feature the mother-of-all clashes between the unbeaten COMMANDER ZERO and the brilliant ROYAL IMAGE.

Plans for the season's first classics, the 2000 and 1000 Guineas for fillies, were outlined at Monday night's launch at the Acropolis Gaming Lounge, Barbican. The 2000 Guineas has received 12 entries and the 1000 Guineas 13. In addition to top contenders COMMANDER ZERO (Dane Nelson) from the stables of champion trainer Wayne DaCosta and the Anthony 'Baba' Nunes-trained ROYAL IMAGE (Shane Ellis), the 2000 Guineas will also feature the unbeaten SUPER DAVE, EVANDER and the fleet-footed MR. SKILL.

The fillies Guineas will see the likes of Thornbird Trial Stakes winner AHWHOFAH, ALSAFRA, HEART OF GOLD, IT IS I, LADY LIZ and the improving LOVINGGOOD.

Second year

This marks the second year of sponsorship for the Licensed Bookmakers comprising eight of the island's bookmaking companies. They are Track Price Plus, Champion Betting, Markham Betting, Capital Betting, Caribbean Turf, Ideal, Post-to-Post and Summit. Combined they will inject $2.5 million into purses - $1 million each to the 1000 and 2000 Guineas.

Speaking on behalf of Track Price Plus, the island's leading bookmaking company, operations manager Arnella Chin, daughter of CEO Xavier Chin, thanked Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) and the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) for once again giving the licensed bookmakers the opportunity to participate.

"Track Price Plus welcomes anything that can promote the success of the racing industry in Jamaica, and to enhance the betting industry in particular," Chin said.