Racing fans can expect a torrid sprint duel tomorrow, involving 14 three-year-olds over five and a half furlongs in the annual renewal of the War Zone Sprint Trophy – the race run in honour of the 1996 Triple Crown winner.

The Supreme Racing Guide explores the options available among this large field in post position order.

AKASH – Ran really well when finishing third behind Loose Cannon and Bilingual over the same trip of tomorrow’s race on September 16. Akash is now well rested, and with the trainer deciding to take off the tongue tie, the chestnut colt should have a telling say in the outcome despite coming from the number one post. Akash is a clear and present danger in this one.

CARTEL – Upset winner on last and now bids for three straight wins. Cartel has gone up significantly in the weights, but with his consistency still has a good chance of making it three in a row. Expect Cartel to be near to the pace before making a winning bid at the top of the straight.

ARMAGEDDON – Has not shown anything in a long while to suggest that he can be a factor here.

SILENCE – Should be very quiet against these.

BALAZO – Was way behind a rejuvenated Loose Cannon on last, but still did well enough to beat the others. Balazo races tomorrow with the blinkers on and despite going up a bit in the weights, has a glorious chance of winning the War Zone. Balazo will hit the board.

STANISLAUS – Is going to find it mighty difficult to win this trophy race.

DON’T BLUSH BABE – Needs time to catch the rhythm of this grouping.

TOOT THE BLUES – Has been runningquite consistently this season and holds a win over Malachi on October 7. However, Toot The Blues is not expected to have much of a say come tomorrow.

A.P.I. – Reeled off three consecutive wins as she moved effortlessly through the classes. Then she had to deal with Lightning Lily, her own stablemates Blue Tradition and Dontae, as well as Cartel and Malachi, and could not handle the pressure. A.P.I. is again expected to find it difficult among these.

MILAGRO – Needs time to get to know the pace and opponents at this level.

K D FLYER – Ran out a really good winner on last when defeating Bruce Wayne and Storm Valley. K D Flyer is lightly raced and possesses some talent and fight, but against these will have to pull out all the stops.

ARTHUR’S DREAM – Has not raced in quite a while, and even with the placement of the tongue tie is not expected to ruffle any feathers in the War Zone.

KILLER BEE – Has been buzzing around without a win in her last eight starts. Killer Bee is going to be quite at home against this field and could spring quite a surprise here. Not without a chance, but has to make every step right.

MALACHI – Will probably start favourite to win this trophy encounter, especially with Dane Nelson in the saddle. Malachi is known as a run-on sort who is always at his best in the latter stages of his races. Just lost out to Cartel on December 2 over six and a half furlongs. The reduction in distance is not going to help Malachi, but it should be noted that he defeated Loose Cannon on Superstakes Day (Nov 11) over the same trip of tomorrow’s race. Malachi will be running on, but will he and jockey Nelson be on time? Only time will tell.