Lightly-raced but improving Master of Hall gets another opportunity to continue to show his talent and class as he takes on five rivals in the Bonnie Blue Flag Trophy feature in what should be a very competitive race from start to finish at Caymanas Park today.

Master Of Hall, coming off a hat-trick of wins, was narrowly beaten by Run Thatcher Run over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m) on March 30 in 1:32.2, the first time in Overnight Allowance company. Master of Hall then returned 15 days later at the same level and beat rivals going a mile (1,600m) in a blistering 1:37.0 showing vast improvement in a short space of time.

However, Master of Hall now steps up to the Open Allowance level and facing the likes of Fayrouz, Houdini’s Magic, Drummer Boy and Secret Traveller going the distance of nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m), will have his hands full in this one as all of his rivals are more than capable enough to win here. The other runner in the six-horse field, Pakman, although has some potential, is going to be left behind.

Going over the circular course in recent time, Master of Hall‘s best time for the distance is 1:56.3 and was on October 3 last year when he defeated Anna Lisa by 5 3/4 lengths; Fayrouz, winner of the Jamaica Oaks last year, had done 1:58.1 on December 29 of last year and it was said that the filly was not herself that day.

Houdini’s Magic clocked 1:56.2 on December 26 of last year; Drummer Boy clocked 1:56.4 on January 1, 2019 when he was beaten by Secret Traveller, who stopped the clock in 1:56.2. Based on times alone, this event should be a veryclose one involving the the five runners but this is horse racing, a sport where anything can happen and that is why the races are run.

The Bonnie Blue Flag Trophy feature is the fifth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 2:55 pm. First race is at 12:30 pm.

Master of Hall has had his health issues but his trainer has seemingly worked them out and although stepping up to compete here, Master of Hall has the class and talent to continue on his winning path, but everything has to go right for him.

Fayrouz showed up at the races on April 13 after an absence of several months. She is not a sprinter but was able to compete over five furlongs straight, finishing sixth behind stable companion Exhilarate at this level. That race has to be taken as a pipe opener and given her nature of performing better over longer distances, Fayrouz should be given maximum respect here.

Houdini’s Magic has been performing at this level and above for the longest while and although not igniting any sparks in recent times, should be comfortable here and could score that long overdue win. Houdini’s Magic with four runs under his belt this season should now be fit and ready for a capital effort, plus his barn is in good form right now. The Bonnie Blue Flag provides the best possible opportunity for a victory and he might well get it here as well.

Drummer Boy ran well in defeat last time out when beaten by stable companion Stranger Danger on April 3 over a mile in a time of 1:38.0. He was beaten by five lengths but was three lengths in front of Houdini’s Magic, who was third. Drummer Boy is going to relish this milder pace and based on that performance behind Stranger Danger — one of the island’s top-rated horses — Drummer Boy has a shot of going one better here.

Secret Traveller‘s last seven runs were in Open Allowance company where he has done fairly well. He indicated that he was ready to come to the fore now after just failing to catch Exhilarate by three paths of a length over five furlongs straight. Secret Traveller is going to be better suited over this distance and should be able to land a telling blow.

Ones to watch

Race 1) Fearless Legend/Evasive Action/Mistrial

Race 2) Awesome Cat/Connor/Fearless Samurai

Race 3) Chief Secretariat/Also Correct/Party Princess

Race 4) Ray Star/DM Cuite/Dallas

Race 5) Houdini’s Magic/Fayrouz/Master of Hall

Race 6) Messi/Innovator/Elal

Race 7) Latapy/Scoobert/Nuclear Evita

Race 8) Secret Law/Alexa’s Star/Stormy Lady

Race 9) Big Bang/Tricky One/Kingsman

Race 10) Uncle Wal/Forest Rose/Sunshine Cat