The 2015 NGC CNG Trinidad Derby which will be run off tomorrow at Santa Rosa Park in Arima is sure to attract turfites and the casual fan from throughout T&T and possibly Jamaica and Barbados, who both field representatives.
There is also the Derek Cozier Memorial Classic which is open to West Indian bred three-year-olds over a distance of 1,200 metres.
It was somewhat surprising to see this race scheduled for the same day as the Derby but it reflects the recognition by race organisers and connections of quality three year olds that their charges did not have the stamina for the big race itself.
It was also an opportunity for some of these animals since the Derby does remove some would-be contenders from the fray.
The line up for the Derek Cozier
Memorial is as follows:
Princess Britney N Samaroo 51.5; Faith R Ali 54.5; Hail The Chief K Khelawan 54.5; Turn Me Loose N Abrego 57; Eatmydust S Rodrigo 54.5; Mikeisback R Walcott 54.5; Swept Away W Galviz 54.5; Beterlatethannever E Trujillo 54.5; US Marshall J Boodramsing 57; Blue Oracle P Badrie 57; Delightful R Angnoo 51.5; Serengeti B Boodramsing 51.5.
This is a very competitive and open race with the stand out horses being Swept Away and Blue Oracle. There is a lot of early speed (Hail the Chief, Turn Me Loose, Delightful, Serengeti) which could set it up for stalkers (Beterlatethennever, Faith or Mikeisback).
It should be a fascinating race that is decided in the final 100 metres as there are really only a couple that can be ruled out with confidence (Princess Britney and Eatmydust).
The NGC Diamond Stakes will be run over 1350 metres for the Imported and West Indian bred three year old and over horses.
The field comprises:
Holy Man P Badrie 55; Nominee D Khelawan 55; Coroneo E Trujillo 51; Control Unit W Galviz 51; Princess Popstar B Boodramsing 47; Bigman In Town N Abrego 57; Thisonesforron S Ellis 57.
Predictably, the Diamond Stakes is not competitive. Turfites will have the pleasure of seeing the best horses in the country race but there is a chasm between Bigman in Town and the others, with the possible exception of Princess Popstar. This filly has rebounded to her best form in her comeback races and is still improving. It will be very interesting to see if she can take the fight to Bigman in Town who seemed almost vulnerable, two starts back, when narrowly getting the better of Transpire.
The field for the NGC CNG Trinidad Derby to be run over 2000 metres for the West Indian bred three year olds is as follows:
War Maker N Abrego 57; Criminal Intent K Khelawan 57; Kronus S Ellis 57; Cloud Nine S Muir 54; Royal Pioneer L Ramos 57; Risky Trial R Ali 57; Legal Adviser W Galviz 57; Star Sapphire O Walker 54; Charismatic Groom E Trujillo 57; Man To Come N Samaroo 57; Bergeron Boy P Barie 57; Morning Calm N Mohammed 57; Poetic Licence R Walcott 54.
This is probably the most open Derby since Free Passage won three or four years ago. There is no colt or filly in the race for which an overwhelming argument can be made.
The horse with the best profile is Bergeron Boy since he did have a valid excuse when his saddle slipped in the Breeders Classic. His negative would be his breeding (son of Settle Up) but he has outperformed that so far.
The openness of the race does engender the intrigue and most connections will go to Arima tomorrow believing that their horse has some sort of chance.
The race could come down to riding tactics and that may explain why some connections have gone for overseas based riders.
Poetic License and Star Sapphire are likely to want to be close to the early lead and that could compromise Bergeron Boy who has a distinct preference for the lead.
Criminal Intent would have preferred a slow early pace so that if the decision is to remain close to the lead, he may use up too much of his suspect stamina.
Man to Come has good tactical speed and could benefit from a cutthroat battle at the front end and he has displayed a nice turn of foot that could see him outspeed the likes of War Maker and Cloud Nine in the closing stages. Legal Adviser, Charismatic Groom and Risky Trial have to improve on what they have shown so far but not by very much to be competitive.
Morning Calm and Royal Pioneer will undoubtedly be ridden to pick up any pieces at the end.
Kronus is unknown but has not looked special in Jamaica. All in all, a fascinating race is in prospect.
