This afternoon’s $1.1-million The Rimsky Trophy at Caymanas Park is set to be a thrilling affair, with three-time defending champion trainer Jason DaCosta unleashing the highly touted Fred the Master (Mitole – But For Money) for his debut run.

This Restricted Allowance II contest is open to three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and upward (maidens) over six furlongs (1,200m). The event is also Race #4 in the Betting, Gaming, and Lotteries Commission (BGLC)/Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) Millionaire Series 2.

Fred the Master, a three-year-old American-bred bay colt, is the favourite for the event, has been generating significant buzz in the lead-up to his debut. With an impressive pedigree and a series of eye-catching training performances, expectations are high for this talented youngster.

In recent weeks, Fred the Master has been burning up the exercise track, consistently clocking fast times. On December 14, he galloped five furlongs (1,000m) in a blistering 59.3, with the first four furlongs (800m) coming in 46.0. A week later, he worked four furlongs in a smooth 48.0 before clocking another fast time at five furlongs straight in 59.4 with four furlongs done in 47.0 on December 28.

Fred the Master’s most recent workout on January 4 was equally impressive, as he clocked 59.2 at five furlongs. These workout performances suggest that Fred the Master is ready to unleash his potential on the racetrack.

While it’s always challenging to predict the outcome of a debut run, Fred the Master’s preparation suggests he’s ready to make a statement. Robert Halledeen has been asked to ride Fred the Master here.

Stablemate Girvano, who finished second in his debut, will look to build on that promising effort. However, based on Fred the Master’s impressive workout performances, he appears to be the one to beat.

Girvano was all the rage on debut on December 21 but the three-year-old American-bred bay colt was beaten into place by another American-bred runner, Supernaturalpower, by 14 lengths over six furlongs. With the benefit of race experience under his belt, Girvano may prove to be a more formidable opponent than his stablemate anticipates.

Girvano has been equally impressive in his preparation coming into the race. He clocked 1:07.1 for five and a half furlongs (1,100m) with five furlongs coming in 1:01.0. Jockey Tevin Foster remains in the saddle aboard
Girvano (Girvin – Summer in Midway).

The contest is positioned as the fourth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 1:35 pm. First race is at 11:45 am.

— Ruddy Allen

Ones to watch:

Race 1)
Conundrum/Absolute Blue/Traditional Boy

Race 2)
Equinox/Uncle Nub/Amad Ali

Race 3)
Medal Award/Sicario Man/Ant’s Attack

Race 4)
Fred the Master/Girvano/Mighty Gully

Race 5)
Alexa’s Lodge/Power Ranking/Nakmura

Race 6)
Whizz Kidd/She’s Myhedgefund/Natural Dancer

Race 7)
Zulu Warrior/J Spieth/Queen of Soul

Race 8)
Big Pop/Fort Haldane/Ruby’s Light

Race 9)
Lucy in the Sky/Titan Tempo/The General

Race 10)
Runaway Star/Sensational Soul/Mark My Identity