PHILIP Feanny, a renowned champion conditioner of 14 titles, holds a strong hand in today’s prestigious $1.25-million Gerry Skelton Memorial Trophy, the main attraction on the 10-race card.

His two American-bred runners, Impressive Force and Unbelievable Force, are among the top contenders vying for the top prize in the Overnight Allowance contest.

Impressive Force, to be ridden by five-time champion jockey Trevor Simpson, boasts an impressive record while Unbelievable Force, partnered with title-chasing jockey Raddesh Roman, has been training well.

Both horses, owned by ACK Stables and groomed by Milton McDonald, are well poised to battle out the finish in the five-and-half-furlong (1,100m) race for three-year-olds and upward.

Impressive Force, a three-year-old bay colt bred by Klimt out of Onebadkitty, boasts an impressive record with three wins and one second-place finish in four local starts. His narrow victory over Supremasi on November 2 over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m) showcased his grit and determination.

Impressive Force should have no problem handling this distance, and he should do it with ease as his debut run was over the straight course at five furlongs (1,000m) where he ran down rivals to win by 5½ lengths in a smooth 1:00.0. Another dominant performance is expected.

Unbelievable Force, on the other hand, has raced six times on local souil, winning three of these events. This talented, three-year-old, dark bay/brown filly impressed with a fourth-place finish behind Rainsville, Run Julie Run, and Sheer Delight over one mile (1,600m) on October 19. Unbelievable Force has been training well, and her pace makes her a prime contender for victory.
Unbelievable Force (McCraken – Debit or Credit) has worked three furlongs (600m) in a snappy 35.3 on Monday, November 18.

While Impressive Force and Unbelievable Force are the clear favourites in the Gerry Skelton Memorial Cup, two other runners could potentially upset their bid for victory. Money Market and She’s A Godgift are the only other contenders in the line-up with the talent and ability to deny either Impressive Force or Unbelievable Force the top prize.

The race is positioned as the 10th and final event on the day with a post time of 5:00 pm. First race is at 11:20 am.

Money Market is a four-year-old bay colt, bred by Successful Native out of Soca Dancer, and is trained by Gary Subratie. Money Market finished a respectable third by 3¼ lengths behind Oasis Jak and Grecian Light over six and a half furlongs (1,300m) on October 26. The reduced distance here should suit Money Market, making him a contender for a top three finish.

Three-year-old American-bred bay filly She’s A Godgift (Wildcat Red – Ghostly Direction) secured her last win via a stewards’ room decision, showcasing her talent and determination. She’s A Godgift is poised to make a significant impact on the outcome of this race.

The other runners in the line-up are Freedom Street, Legit Boss, Brompton Alex, Milos, Green Gold Rush, California Gold, Premier Identity, Get A Pepsi, Posing Already, and first-timer Mudshaft.

Ones to watch

Race 1)
Unruly Boss/Dodge This Link/Let Him Fly

Race 2)
AKA Storm/Special Gift/Traveller’s Lodge

Race 3)
Platinum Princess/Kimuchi/Casuallyyours

Race 4)
Chinita Estrella/Radam/Bomb Night

Race 5)
Generational/KP Choice/Power Ranking

Race 6)
Shoamithebutcher/Readmylips/Tappinin

Race 7)
Smart Trick/Battle Angel/Bushfire

Race 8)
Midnight Flight/Commander Z/El Rapido

Race 9)
Digital Light/Golden Syrup/Equinox

Race 10)
Unbelievable Force/Impressive Force/Money Market