FOLLOWING the cancellation of live racing last weekend, thoroughbred racing returns to Caymanas Park today with a six-race card that will include American-bred Lure of Lucy competing against 11 challengers in the top-rated Overnight Allowance main feature over five furlongs (1,000m) straight.

The race days on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 were cancelled after stakeholders rejected a $27-million purse increase given by SVREL. Stakeholders first opposed the deal because they claimed SVREL generated $6.2 billion last year, despite Sharpe claiming $5.3 billion in revenue which the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) found to be correct.

Following a meeting on Monday, July 17 between Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) and SVREL representatives, both parties appear to have found some common ground, with a six-race programme planned for today.

On paper, Lure of Lucy is easily the best horse in the field. The Jason DaCosta trainee has been quite consistent in her recent races, even at this distance. Lure of Lucy has raced over this distance twice this season, finishing second both times.

On February 18 the five-year-old bay mare finished a head behind Laban in 1:00.1, while on June 4 Lure of Lucy was beaten 3/12 lengths by Yellowstone in 59.0. Lure of Lucy can easily outperform those two attempts, given the nature of this race.

The three-year-old and upward contest is positioned as the sixth and final event with a post time of 5:05 pm. First post is at 1:45 pm.

Despite not winning a race since January 2nd, when she won the Fans Appreciation Day Trophy over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m), Lure of Lucy has been consistently competitive, finishing no worse than fourth in all seven runs this season. The Uncle Lino progeny Lure of Lucy will be difficult to beat this time after finishing second behind God of Love in a five-and-a-half-furlong (1,100m) race on July 1.

The presence of Power Ranking, Curlin’s Affair, and Freedom Street should make the race more competitive because they have the class to factor here.

Power Ranking finished a close second to Green Gold Rush over six and a half furlongs (1,300m) on July 9 but should have no trouble crossing the straight. Despite his terrible post one draw, Power Ranking should have a good race and make the final four.

When Curlin’s Affair dropped to this level on July 1 he finished ninth, trailing God of Love and Lure of Lucy by over some 17 lengths. Curlin’s Affair is a step forward from his last effort and is likely to boost his performance. He has already won over this distance, running a fast 58.2 on January 7.

The fast-paced Freedom Street should enjoy this distance. Freedom Street is projected to be in the lead and should be present when the race is determined. Blinkers are on.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Select Me/Print Quality/Jungle Boogie

Race 2) The Bees Knees/Grey Commander/Newland Links

Race 3) Richie Rich/uncharter/mr Senator

Race 4) Running Glory/burlap/joy Is Golden

Race 5) Major Danger/is That A Fact/legit Boss

Race 6) Lure of Lucy/curlin’s Affair/freedom Street