Connections of Miniature Man will be hoping that the four-year-old chestnut gelding is in cherry-ripe condition for the $1.05-million Alsafra Trophy feature race, a three-year-old Non-Restricted Overnight Allowance contest going one mile (1,600m) at Caymanas Park today.

Bred by Northern Giant out of the Legal Process mare Runaway Gal, the remarkable and talented Miniature Man has won four of his 12 career starts so far and earned $4,988,050 in stakes. His victories included a length-and-a-half win in the 2021 2000 Guineas beating Nuclear Noon and current Horse of the Year Further and Beyond.

Owned by Elizabeth DaCosta and trained by her son Jason, Miniature Man had returned to competitive racing from a 10-month break on May 7 due to injuries and came home in ninth place by 17 ¾ lengths going six furlongs (1,200m) before placing fifth by 7 ¼ lengths at five furlongs (1,000m) round on two weeks later.

After those two efforts, Miniature Man was put on easy street for a few days, but Jason has upload his work as the chestnut gelding galloped seven furlongs (1,400m) in a smooth 1:28.0 last Sunday (June 5, 2022). That work was the fastest done over the distance that morning, which suggests that Miniature Man is cherry for today’s assignment.

Truth to be told, Miniature Man, who is slowly but surely rounding into form, is much better than these and on his best day, can dismantle these but we have not seen the best of this gelding in 2022. This is a golden opportunity for Miniature Man to get off the mark as a four-year-old, plus the distance is perfect.

The Alsafra Trophy, to be run in honour the outstanding filly who achieved Triple Crown success in 2007, is set for 4:10 pm, the seventh event on the nine-race card. First race is at 12:30 pm.

Amy The Butcher from the stables of Anthony Nunes and Money Monster, bred, owned and trained by Fitzroy Glispie, look likely the ones that could get in the way of Miniature Man here.

Amy The Butcher comes into this race on the back of two impressive wins. The four-year-old grey filly has shown vast improvement since taking orders from the champion trainer. Fulfilling her early promise, Amy The Butcher has now reached the Overnight Allowance grade. She may need time to get accustomed to the pace but is ready and can make it three-in-a-row.

Money Monster finished second to the talented Double Diva 14 days ago when travelling seven furlongs. Money Monster is going to appreciate this extended trip, and if he can reproduce his last effort, could prove equal to the task at hand.

Of the others five runners in the eight-horse field probably Big Big Daddy and Awesome Treasure, both the stables of Gary Sunbratie, can run the top three close.

Big Big Daddy had fourth behind Go Deh Girl in a five-furlong straight event at the Open Allowance level on May 28. Now down in class for this one, Big Big Daddy is expected to go closer. Note, Big Big Daddy races with the visor off and the blinkers on.

Awesome Treasure has been campaigning in the grade above without any success. This foreigner faces less competition here and cannot be denied a chance.

The rest of the field is made up of Gambler, El Profesor and D’s Choice. All are not expected to be a factor in this one.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Charmin Beauty/Always Vigorous/Blue Seas

Race 2) Sir Arjun Babu/Prince Dominick/Sweet Surprise

Race 3) My Smokey/Ultimatum/Duke of Springs

Race 4) Nala’s Bushman/Thunderstrike/Subbie

Race 5) Mr Ambassador/Father Riel/Mamacita

Race 6) Sweetyman/King’s Magician/Turnothelight

Race 7) Miniature Man/Money Monster/Amy The Butcher

Race 8) Josh/Gracefully Made/Flight Time

Race 9) Gilbert/Thalos/A Gift From Ben