WITH the conditions and distance well-suited to his running style, the four-year-old, American-bred, chestnut colt Runaway Algo appears to be the leading contender for the $1.29-million Thunderbird Trophy, the main attraction on the nine-race card at Caymanas Park today.

Runaway Algo, owned by Lanmark Farm and trained by Dale Murphy, receives a weight reduction, dropping from 57.0 kgs (126lb) to 53.5 kgs (118lb). Additionally, the distance of seven furlongs (1,400m) for this trophy race is ideal for him as he is considered the main speed in this contest and will have to be caught.

The Algorithms – Misunify offspring Runaway Algo was expected to complete back-to-back wins in the Harlequin Trophy on May 27 but he finished in a disappointing fourth place. That run can be excused, however, as Runaway Algo was attempting the 5-furlong (1,000m) straight course for the first time, and against genuine sprinters.

However, his 12-length win on May 20 in the Seeking My Dream Trophy, over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m) in a time of 1:30.4, speaks volumes of his ability. If he can reproduce that effort then Runaway Algo will surely be unsaddled in the winners’ enclosure. Raddesh Roman replaces Linton Steadman in the saddle.

The three-year-old and upward Open Allowance contest is positioned as the eighth race with a post time of 4:30 pm. First race is at 12:15 pm.

Runaway Algo‘s main threat should come from fellow foreigner Excessive Force, trained by many-time champion conditioner Philip Feanny.

Excessive Force makes his seasonal debut here, well-prepared for his mission. A six-year-old chestnut horse, Excessive Force last raced on December 31 of the previous year, finishing third behind Ian Parsard’s pair of Mahogany and Jordon Reign’s over eight and a half furlongs (1,700m).

On the other hand, Excessive Force won the first staging of the ultra-rich Mouttet Mile (Invitational) over one mile (1,600m) on December 3, with Runaway Algo kilometres behind him. Given his powers Excessive Force can get right to work here. Bebeto Harvey is back in the saddle for the fourth time in a row.

Money Monster and Duke appear to be the best choices to complete the frame out of the four runners remaining in the line-up (Money Monster, Laban, Duke, and Sistren Treasure).

Money Monster — bred, owned, and trained by Fitzroy Glispie — finished fifth by over 15 lengths behind Runaway Algo in the Seeking My Dream Trophy over on May 20. With Runaway Algo present here, Money Monster’s chances of winning are very slim but, compared to the remaining runners, he has enough talent to fight for third place.

The Gary Subratie-trained Duke came home in third place behind Emperorofthecats and Yellowstone in the Harlequin Trophy over the straight (1,000m) course on May 27. Duke should have no problem going this distance and is expected to run another good race where the visors are off and blinkers on.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Sly Stalloon/Golden Emperor/Party Princess

Race 2) Rum With Me/Den Street/Debigh Life

Race 3) Another Wave/Heroine/Blade

Race 4) Nakamura/Prosecco/Morse Code

Race 5) Phenomenal One/Super Alex/Here Comes Doc

Race 6) Coalition/Antarctica/Mr Senator

Race 7) Sabina/Silver Soul/Sparklin Tradition

Race 8) Runaway Algo/Excessive Force/Duke

Race 9) Lure of Lucy/Billy Whizz/Eagle One