WHILE American-bred Inspire Force is expected to be heavily favoured for the $1.02-million Milligram Trophy feature, Canadian-bred Atlantic Convoy and local-bred Secret Admiral could make the Restricted Allowance II feature contest a close and exciting race from start to finish over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m) at Caymanas Park today.

Inspire Force, Atlantic Convoy, and Secret Admiral have raced once so far in their careers and, based on their opening efforts, have shown signs that they possess the class and talent which make them the front-runners in the nine-horse field to take home this trophy race.

The highly rated Inspire Force, bred by Union Jackson–Exotic Design, made his local debut on February 18 over six furlongs (1,200m) and finished in a close third place behind Bootylicious and Burlap. The three-year-old chestnut colt Inspire Force, who was seen making strong headway in deep stretch, is going to appreciate this extended trip and, based on his first run, could lead these home. Inspired Force came from last place, labouring by some 8 lengths at the half mile (800m), to finish just two lengths behind the winner in a time of 1:14.1. Former three-time champion jockey Anthony Thomas remains in the saddle for many-time champion conditioner Philip Feanny. Note, Inspire Force races with the visor off.

Atlantic Convoy (Stormy Convoy–My Sweet Emily), trained by Patrick Lynch, finished second on his debut on February 4 over the straight course (1,000m) behind Awesome Anthony. The three-year-old chestnut colt Atlantic Convoy was slowly into stride at the off but recovered well to finish a length and a half behind the winner at the wire. Atlantic Convoy should have benefited from the outing and, given a more relaxed pace here, could be in the thick of things throughout. The presence of the champion jockey will aid his cause. Note, Atlantic Convoy races with first-time Lasix.

Bred, owned, and trained by Carl Anderson, three-year-old chestnut colt Secret Admiral made an exciting and eye-catching come-from-behind debut win by 5½ lengths in the $990,000 I Love February Trophy feature race on Saturday, February 11, 2023, over seven furlongs (1,400m). The Admiral Alex-Secret Cat offspring came from well behind runners to win in a time of 1:30.0, easily pulling away from rivals. With this distance not a problem Secret Admiral, based on his running style and the improvement, is going to be in the fray when decision time comes around. Apprentice Shane Richardson replaces the more accomplished Bebeto Harvey in the saddle.

The native-bred three-year-old (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-old and upward (maidens) contest is positioned as the eighth event on the card with nine races. Post time for the race is 4:30 pm while the first race is scheduled to go off at 12:15 pm.

Of the others in the line-up, Flybluejet and Anonymous could have a say in the outcome of the race.

Three-year-old, American-bred, dark bay/brown filly Flybluejet, a stablemate of Inspire Force, has raced three times thus far, finishing second twice and third once. One of Flybluejet‘s second-place finishes came after a disqualification from first place so she has already tasted victory. Flybluejet will get this distance and should once again be a tough contender.

Anonymous, a talented three-year-old bay colt, should have done much better than his third-place finish behind Roulette Boss and Durocell over seven and a half furlongs on February 26 as the favourite. The Anthony Nune trainee Anonymous, with a liking for the long-distance races, is expected to do well.

The remaining runners in the race are Boasey, Pretty Caroline, She’s Myhedgefund, and Big Guy In TheSky.

Meanwhile, jockey Jerome Innis will enter the race day knowing he is one win away from his 100th career win. Innis could well achieve that milestone aboard the Owen Sharpe-trained first-time runner Kwaku in the seventh race, a maiden condition race for native-bred five-year-olds and upward.

Bred by Casual Trick out of the Distorted mare Darlin, the five-year-old bay horse Kwaku has been working well for some time now and, based on the quality in the field, could give Innis his landmark.

Ones to watch

Race 1) Kissmet/Cosmic Force/Richie Rich

Race 2) Freedom Street/Tekapunt/KP Choice

Race 3) Sensational Ending/Ruds D Indian/Sure Curlin

Race 4) Nomoredeals/Air Stream/Jungle Boogie

Race 5) Mr Fete/Slam Dunk/De Lye La

Race 6) Takes Two To Tango/Rhosa The Warrior

Race 7) Kwaku/Flame Carrier/Jungle Cat

Race 8) Inspire Force/Secret Admiral/Atlantic Convoy

Race 9) Loose Cannon/Uncle Wal/Smarty Tradition