All in Duke’s favour in Kaz Hoshay Trophy feature
Despite having failed to win at this level in two attempts since stepping down, the Gary Subratie-conditioned Duke should have no excuses this time around and could easily defeat competitors in today’s $1.25-million Kaz Hoshay Trophy feature at Caymanas Park.
On October 8, Duke was down to the Overnight Allowance category and lost to Freedom Street over a distance of five and a half furlongs (1,100m) by a margin of two lengths. On October 21, he made a second try over the straight (1,000m), finishing seven lengths behind the highly regarded American Tap in fourth place.
In both races, Duke was observed making significant progress toward the finish line, but he was unable to get home making those strides. Duke is anticipated to lead home his opponents because of the real estate and the conditions of the race here, which are more suited to his running style. Here, Allen “Bongo John” Maragh will be replaced in the irons by Robert Halledeen, who has been invited to do riding honours.
The three-year-old and upward Overnight Allowance contest going six furlongs (1,200m) is positioned as the 10th and final event on the day with a post time of 5:05 pm. First race is at 11:30 am.
Laban, Press Conference, Race Car, and Madelyn’s Sunshine should all be contenders for the top slot when considering the entire field.
In his last seven games, Laban has failed to complete. The six-year-old bay horse, though, falls short of expectations, has taken a drop in class and considering his back class, he ought to be considered for better showing these. Note: Tongue-tie off.
Press Conference has been doing really well lately. On October 21, he placed well in second place behind the gifted Canadian-bred American Tap in the Nigel B. Nunes Memorial Cup over the straight. Press Conference also goes well around the bend, and judging by his previous performance, he ought to be involved in the action once more.
Race Car was expected to figure in the recent Nigel B Nunes Memorial Trophy over the straight but he finished down the track behind American Tap. Race Car is much better than as evidenced in his previous run, so he should put in a much better here.
Madelyn’s Sunshine came off a five-month break to finish seventh by some 8 ½ lengths behind American Tap and Press Conference over the straight on October 21. With that run under her girth, Madelyn’s Sunshine is ready to put in a good effort and that should be good enough to challenge for top honours here based on class and talent.
El Profesor, an eight-year-old bay gelding, may surprise the other runners in the field of 14. So far this season, he has participated in 14 races, only managing a third-place result. His capabilities contradict his form, which would imply that he should be disregarded in this situation. If he regains his composure, El Profesor ought to do admirably well.
Ones to watch:
Race 1) Gilbert/Neo Star/Fly Messenger Fly
Race 2) Rohan Kabir/Hecandance/Simba The Lion
Race 3) Stickydon/Blue Seas/Lion Talk
Race 4) Thunderstrike/XY Soul/Dare To Speak
Race 5) Real Boss/General Chief/Traditional Lady
Race 6) All For Love/Wow How/Flybluejet
Race 7) Lady Ramdularie/Hedge Craft/Crucial Alexxya
Race 8) Savvy Girl/Hot Stepper/She’s Myhedgefund
Race 9) Money Miser/Atlantic Blue/Rhythm Buzz
Race 10) Duke/Madelyn’s Sunshine/El Profesor