IT is reaching fever pitch with just three days to go before the 37th running of the Burger King Superstakes over 10 furlongs at Caymanas Park. With the wait comes the intrigue which makes the race so special.

Racing fans are racking their brains in an attempt to match jockeys with horses, an always exciting part of any race much less the Superstakes. Then there are horses invited or entered in more than one race but where will they eventually run? For example, will the three-year-old 2,000 Guineas champion Ali Baba run in the Superstakes or the Coca-Cola Invitational Mile? Which horse will the now in-form Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths ride in the Superstakes and the other major races come Super Day, Saturday November 14? There is even talk from some railbirds that jockey Richard ‘Byah’ Mitchell will ride on Superstakes, a Saturday, despite not riding in the recent past on his Sabbath day.

Based on track whispers, Griffiths who has won the Superstakes eight times will ride the Richard Azan-trained Franfield who ran well in last year’s Superstakes, finishing fourth just half a length behind Perfect Neighbour.

Trainer Wayne DaCosta seems set to race his three-year-old Ali Baba in the Coca-Cola Invitational Mile, leaving his entries for the Superstakes as possibly Perfect Neighbour, Royal Vibes and Hovercraft. The latter was not a factor in the six-furlong sprint last year. Perfect Neighbour will be ridden by stable jockey Robert Halledeen, with the strong possibility of top apprentice Linton Steadman getting the mount on Royal Vibes, with Paul Francis the likely candidate to partner Hovercraft.

Mitchell, who in a recent interview in this paper said he does not ride on his Sabbath, Saturday, may just mount up on Superstakes Day. Rumour has it that Mitchell has been given the greenlight by the leadership of his church with the proviso that he can only do so after attending church. If Mitchell is indeed riding, then for sure he will be aboard one of the Harry Parsard-trained horses for the Invitational Mile. Based on reports, it appears that the Parsard-trained St Leger winner Superluminal will not face the starter in the Superstakes.

Typewriter, who has won the last two Superstakes, will again be getting guidance from former champion and leading rider, Shane Ellis. News from the camp of trainer Spencer Chung, the conditioner of Typewriter, is that recent acquisition and top-notch performer Commanding Chief will be a no-show in the Superstakes, with sights being set instead on the Diamond Mile in early December.

Gritty performer Uncle Taf is to start in the Superstakes, but there is no outward indication in the mornings of which jockey will be on board. Maybe the move is to go overseas; let’s wait and see.

All Correct, who finished a very close second in the Sprint last year now called the Glen Mills Sprint, is expected to return and renew his rivalry with Potcheen. Expect Robert Halledeen in the saddle.

The surprise of Super Day 2014 was Princess Shine from the progressive camp of trainer Fitzroy Glispie. Princess Shine shone in the Invitational Mile, ending second by a short head behind winner Pete’swildone. Timeforarms, another Glispie inmate, should face the starter in the Burger King Superstakes.