THE Anthony Nunes-conditioned unbeaten bay filly Corazon, without question, has shown herself to be a cut above her opponents and could take home the 12th running of the $3.6 million Pick3 “Super Challege” Trophy feature over seven furlongs (1,400m) at Caymanas Park today.

Corazon‘s two races to date have been won by a cumulation of eight widening lengths with supreme authority. Going over the five furlongs (1,000m) straight on October 13, Corazon put away rivals by three-and-a-half lengths in a good 59.2. The Blue Pepsi Lodge-My Heartbeat offspring won the Juvenile Sprint over six-and-a-half furlongs (1,300m) on Super Day two weeks ago by four-and-a-half lengths in another time of 1:19.2.

Giving such pleasing performances, Corazon is expected to start the deserved favourite to take this trophy race and register her third-consecutive win from as many starts. She is sufficiently talented to lead or come from behind. It is going to take a supreme performance by a rival to deny Corazon from taking this Pick-3 trophy.

The (Grade III) Pick3 Super Challenge Trophy is the second jewel in the utra-rich Supreme Ventures Limited-sponsored native-bred Two-Year-Old Triple Crown series. The race is positioned as the seventh event on the 10-race card and is set to face the starter at 3:20 pm with first post at 11:45 am.

Despite not being tested in her only two starts and beating some of her present rivals with ease, Corazon, though is better prepared for the longer trip, is expected to have a much tougher race here. In the field of eight, Corazon has beaten three of the runners present. She has accounted twice for Lady Blue and once for Top Shelf and stable companion Tricky One, and so turning the table on Corazon will be a difficult task for them. Corazon goes with Lasix for the first time here.

Corazon has done more than what is expected of her so far in her career as Nunes has been pressing the right buttons, but word is out that she my have to withstand serious challenge from the Steven Todd-trained chestnut colt Phenom.

All eyes will be on Phenom, not only does this Soul Warrior-Supa Lei is a half brother to Superstakes winner Franfield, but also seeing that the connections have gone once again for the services of the bustling three-time champion jockey Dane Nelson.

Phenom did very well when winning by a fighting half-length on debut on November 3 over five-and-a-half furlongs (1,100m). Phenom went by horses running the half-mile (800m) and putting up strong resistance in deep stretch for the win under remote-pumping from Nelson, while showing off those same immense strides that were Franfield‘s trademark. He covered the distance in an impressive 1:06.3 with splits 23.1 and 46.2, defeating Duke, who is present in today’s line-up.

Phenom gave the impression then that he is more in the mould of a sprinter, thereby making an extra furlong in question. Yet this is a two-year-old and quick improvement is always possible, making Phenom a live contender.

Duke really gave an improved performance on last when finishing second to Phenom on last. This is Duke‘s third outing, and despite his good displays to date, it is difficult for a maiden to beat so many winners, but this Casual Trick-Lady MacBeth offspring seems that he will enjoy the trip and is expected to run well.

Top Shelf won the first race in the series — the Cash Pot “Only One For Me” Trophy back in September, but returned after a two-month break and could not manage Corazon, Tricky One and Lady Blue. Trainer Patrick Fong has opted to place the figure 8 on Top Shelf, who should be prominent throughout the race, but turning the table on Corazon is out of the question.

Corazon‘s stable companions Tricky One and Juice Man both are talented enough and could complete the exacta and trifecta and give Nunes a significant boost in his bid to become champion trainer.

The Wayne DaCosta’s pair of Lady Blue, who goes without the blinkers in this one, and El Gringo, who goes with the tongue tie, are going to be left behind.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) District Attorney/Lazer Jet/Jamin

Race 2) Minniffia/Askaboutme/Also Correct

Race 3) Moviestar/General Mubaraak/Makhi

Race 4) Rambunctious Links/Night Light/Uncle Vinnie

Race 5) Exhilarate/My Super Girl/Madam Secretary

Race 6) Princess Caula/Top Eagle/My Angel Briannah

Race 7) Corazon/Phenom/Tricky One

Race 8) Storm/She’s Symbolic/Wilson

Race 9) Mr Universe/Campesino/Patriarch

Race 10) Dunrobin/Ok Dude/Genuine Article