Opportunity for Kalamata
The feature race tomorrow honours Royal Dad , the first horse ever to win the Triple Crown series of races at Caymanas Park.
Nine non-winners of three will line up for the nine-furlong-and-25-yard (1,820m) event.
Keen interest surrounds the participation of the English importee Kalamata from the yard of trainer Fitznahum Williams.
The Supreme Racing Guide assesses the chances of all nine nominated starters in post-position order with the aim of finding the winner.
1 – SIMPLY OUTRAGEOUS: Stepping up a grade after putting away rivals over seven furlongs (1,400m) on September 23. That win by Simply Outrageous was achieved by a surging stretch run. The distance is not a problem for Simply Outrageous, who could surprise despite his lack of experience in the grade.
2 – BLUE TRADITION: Won on last over seven-and-a-half furlongs (1,500m) and is in good nick for this trophy race. Like Simply Outrageous, Blue Tradition enters non-winners of three for the first time, but she is well seasoned and could find the winning post in front.
3 – SUBBIE: Second time in this class and already holds a run over tomorrow’s distance. Subbie will be coming from behind and if not too far off the pace, a winning effort is not beyond his reach.
4 – BIBLICAL LEGEND: Out of her depth in this grade, so poses no obvious threat, but racing is racing and they have to run.
5 – NIGHT LIGHT: An inconsistent performer, Night Light needs more time to adapt to the pace of this class group.
6 – DONTAE: He has been trying his luck against the best of his peers without much success. Dontae took a long break from March 18 to September 30, then on his return finished a good third behind stablemate Bilingual and Western Warrior. That return race over eight furlongs (1,600m) should hold Dontae in good stead, and he now seems ready to produce a winning effort.
7 – WESTERN WARRIOR: Front-runner who was just caught on last by Bilingual with Dontae behind. Now returning at almost the same weight, Western Warrior should again withstand the challenge of Dontae. Western Warrior will set off in front, but may find the distance even with the two turns a bit taxing. Nevertheless, Western Warrior is fit and ready and could go all the way.
8 – SARAH LEE: Has been in the grade for a while now blowing hot and cold. Having trailed behind Western Warrior and Dontae, it would be an upset if Sarah Lee should conquer both tomorrow.
9 – KALAMATA: It has become obvious from her race record in England and her three races to date in Jamaica that Kalamata likes the long distances — in fact, the very long distances. Problem is that in Jamaica long-distance races are few and far between. Kalamata tried her luck in “A” Class and did not do badly when finishing third — seven lengths behind Will In Charge and Bigdaddykool. With the visor off tomorrow, Kalamata is given the chance of being earlier with the front-runners, and if she enters the straight close to the leaders, it is going to be her first win on local soil. The Royal Dad is Kalamata’s best chance of winning her first race in Jamaica. A winner for her rider, Robert Halledeen cannot come too soon.