Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer
The Smoker (front) is tipped to win today's feature for the Cecil C.Charlton Trophy. The 5-year-old grey gelding is slated to be ridden by champion jockey Omar Walker for trainer Noel Ennevor. - File
TODAY'S 11-RACE programme at Caymanas Park offers three trophy races, among them the $470,000-$410,000 claiming race for the Cecil C. Charlton Trophy over 1300 metres.
The race is run in honour of the former champion owner and long-serving president of the Jamaica Bookmakers Association. Charlton was Mayor of Mandeville in the '70s and '80s as well.
Also on the card are the $325,000-$295,000 claiming race for the Reca Trophy over 1400 metres and the three-year-old restricted allowance two for the Knutsford Park Cup (non- winners-of-two) over 1200 metres.
Only six have been declared for the Cecil C. Charlton Trophy including THE SMOKER, who steps down in class following his disappointing run as the 9-5 favourite over 1400 metres on August 6.
THE SMOKER, who was then reporting from a near three-month absence, showed up only briefly to finish last of eight to SATISFIER on a $600,000 claiming tag but, since then, he has looked that much sharper in his preparation, and with connections opting for champion jockey Omar Walker, the hint should be taken.
Before his last race, THE SMOKER had been utilising only the pool but has since switched to the exercise track in an effort to step up his preparation for this race. Hence, THE SMO-KER will report in better condition.
Despite the good claims of recent course-winner JET BLASTER, FUSILIER and STRONG DELIVERY, THE SMOKER is a better horse than them and seems poised to emulate his smooth victory over the distance back on February 6 in overnight allowance company. Walker will ride THE SMOKER for veteran trainer Noel Ennevor and owner David Delisser from the convenient mark of 54kg.
INTROSPECTION, with Walker up, and DOLLA WIN (Devon A Thomas up), who beat all but MINISTEROFJUSTICE in a fast-run 1100-metre race on August 27, are firm fancies for the Reca Trophy and Knutsford Park Cup respectively.
INTROSPECTION, who won by all of 12 lengths over the distance on July 12, on a $325,000 tag, was not disgraced behind I AM PAID FOR over 1500 metres on a $390,000 tag in his subsequent race on August 16. He will appreciate the drop in class and should gain first run on NUMERO UNO and hold him at bay to the line.
DOLLA WIN, the mount of Devon A. Thomas, should lead home the well-prepared MEDUSA and recent winner LAWS OF THE CAT in the Knutsford Park Cup. The race has attracted 10 starters, but these three should make it real close.
Other firm fancies on the card are LITTLE WASP (working well) to lead home stable-companion CALL OF THE WILD in the opening two-year-old race, NASATOL to catch TOBAGO and BULLET TRAIN in the third, GALLANT GIRL to stave off old rival LUX in the fifth and the well-prepared FULL SPECTRUM in the eighth race over the straight five course.
