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Sport

Mark My Word, Commanding Chief frontrunners for GG Stakes

BY HURBUN WILLIAMS Observer writer

Monday, October 15, 2012



WHAT will be a fabulous day of racing will unfurl at Caymanas Park today when Hi-Pro Super Centre offers 10 races, three of which will continue to provide high Heroes' Day entertainment which began on Saturday.

Chief among the races which should provide exceptional performances are the 53rd running of the $1,320,000 Governor General's Stakes, featuring Horse Of The Year Mark My Word and Commanding Chief the best three-year-old of last year, the $500,000 Ace Supercentre Trophy featuring The Guv and Hombre and last but not least the two-year-old spectacle for the $500,000 Hi-Pro 'Stables' Choice Feeds Trophy.

Much is known of the prowess of Mark My Word, Commanding Chief, Hombre, and The Guv and quality performances coupled with the attendant excitement is anticipated.

But what could be of greater interest, with the two-year-old season in full swing, is the discovery of new and exciting racing talent that will be copious enough to continue exciting times at the track.

The Governor General's Stakes featuring Mark My Word will receive top billing on the card, but the presence of Persian Belle, El Numero Uno, the first-time runner Royal Vibes and the fairly experienced Sink The Bismark contesting maiden native-bred two-year-old race, going 1,300 metres should not go unnoticed.

Persian Belle, a bay colt by Tradional out of Emerald Belle (Dixie Union) bred by Ham Stables and purchased at last November's Yearling Sale for the princely sum of $2.2 million, will be running for the second time.

Like Mark My Word, the son of Traditional is trained by Richard Azan for owners WB Racing, and is highly regarded as good racing talent who is now coming to hand. In his opening race earlier this month, he was a close third after missing the break, but has since worked well to meet this engagement. And with another 200 metres to travel, will be bang in contention when this is being decided. Jockey Shane Ellis, who was aboard on debut, will again ride.

El Numero Uno, a well-bred chestnut colt by Traditional out of Code Star (Lost Code) also bred by Ham Stables, is also expcted to improve on his debut showing when finishing third to the very fast Country Train going 1,000 metres round at the end of August. Prepared for the races by Philip Feanny for owner 2 Penyu, the son of Traditional returns well-trained and bred to get 1,300 metres and beyond competition, is expected to be keen for the major slice.

Although Persian Belle and El Numero Uno look to be the two principal runners in the 11-horse field, almost any number can play. This is more so with two-year-olds as they are still fractious and need time to settle into the routine of competitive racing.

Ones To Watch

Race 1 Surrel (Dick Cardenas)

Race 2 Pocket Ace (Omar Walker)

Race 3 The Guv (Shane Ellis)

Race 4 Early Dreams (Orlando Foster)

Race 5 The Legacy (Renardo McNaughton)

Race 6 Hypnotica (Trevor Simpson)

Race 7 Persian Belle (Shane Ellis)

Race 8 Te Quiro (Renardo McNaighton)

Race 9 Mark My Word (Jemar Jackson)

Race 10 Platinum King (Orlando Foster)



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