DESPITE having never raced over the straight course, Runaway Algo is far more classy and skilled than his seven challengers and could easily win today’s $1.29-million Harlequin Cup feature race at Caymanas Park over five furlongs (1,000m).

Runaway Algo, a four-year-old, American-bred, chestnut horse by Algorithms – Misunify, has raced 15 times on local soil, winning seven times, placing second four times, and finishing third once. This will be his first effort at the straight course, and he is in great shape and is easily the best runner in the field.

On May 20 the Dale Murphy trainee comfortably trounced competitors by 13 1/2 lengths in the Seeking My Dream Trophy over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m). Runaway Algo led from the start, recording a New Stakes record time of 1:30.4.

Runaway Algo should have no trouble over this fast course and will easily dispatch competitors once more. For this race Runaway Algo wears the visor, and Linton Steadman remains in the saddle.

The race’s most fascinating aspect is the pusuit of second place. That exacta slot can be filled by Madelyn’s Sunshine, Press Conference, Duke, and Emperorofthecats.

The three-year-old and upwards Open Allowance contest is positioned as the ninth event on the 10-race card, with a post time of 4:35 pm. First post is at 11:45 am.

Madelyn’s Sunshine is rounding into form at the right time. The Jason DaCosta trainee was beaten 3¼ lengths into second place by stablemate She’s My Destiny in the Lady Geeta Trophy on May 6.

Madelyn’s Sunshine is projected to run a very excellent race here once more but the only thing standing in her way is the number one draw.

The Carl Anderson-bred, -owned, and -trained Press Conference has every right to be in this class. Press Conference has always done well over the straight as his last two wins were over the distance and he has won both races in under one minute. The five-year-old chestnut gelding could make his presence felt here.

Duke, trained by Gary Subratie, is another runner who does well over the straight course. Duke comes into this race on the back end of an impressive victory, winning a six-furlong (1,200m) event in 1:12.3 on May 7, albeit in the grade below. Duke should be the main rival for Runaway Algo.

Stablemate of Press Conference, Emperorofthecats has also done exceptionally well over the straight course. Emperorofthecats has speed and should make a bold bid in the early exchanges.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Badgyalriri/Big Argument/Morse Code

Race 2) California Gold/Just Have Fun/The Bees Knees

Race 3) Sunshine Cat/Ridewiththemob/Storm Valley

Race 4) Ras Emanuel/Thalso/Stranger Danger

Race 5) Wilson/XY Soul/Devonte

Race 6) PIP/Market Place/Jungle Boggie

Race 7) Rhosa The Warrioe/Salud/Blade

Race 8) Brinks/Luksol/Power Ranking

Race 9) Runaway Algo/Madelyn’s Sunshine/Duke

Race 10) Gracefully Made/A Gift From Ben/Ultimate Machine