ANOTHER rather interesting race is on tap tomorrow as the three-year-old crop of horses continue their build-up to the Classic races.

The non-winners of two contest over seven furlongs provides the opportunity for further assessment of the Classic stock, as the much talked about Richard Azan trained chestnut colt Cognac makes his long awaited return to the track, where he will meet impressive first time winner Street Dancer and the more experienced Locked And Loaded.

On debut, over five furlongs round, on January 11, Cognac was an easy winner, but in a relatively slow time of 1:01.2. Cognac races tomorrow using Lasix for the first time, and while his exercise gallops have not been spectacular, he has to perform well enough to win, although going two furlongs longer, if he is to have any chance in the 2,000 Guineas scheduled for mid-April.

Street Dancer, caught the eye when he performed for the first time on February 1. He won by 14 lengths (five and a half furlongs) over a moderate field in an acceptable time of 1:08.1 minutes. This is a major step up for the Seeking The Gold – Luvable filly trained by Wayne DaCosta. She too will have to improve significantly to have a chance against the colts.

Locked And Loaded is the more experienced of what this writer considers to be the top three horses in the race. Bred by Adore The Gold – Runnin On Empty and trained by Anthony Nunes, Locked and Loaded after breaking his maiden over six and a half furlongs, was then firmly put in his place by Bars Of Gold. He may use his experience to get the better of his main rivals. An intriguing contest is at hand.