DROPPING down in class to compete in this afternoon’s $1.25-million Errol “Big Sub” Subratie Memorial Trophy, Is That A Fact looks well-poised for a triumphant return to the winners’ circle.

Despite a frustrating eight-race losing streak, impressive performances in higher classes and recent strong workouts give
Is That A Fact an unstoppable aura. His 2½-length second-place finish behind Legacy Isle in the None Such Sprint on September 6 is still fresh in the memory. So can he unleash that firepower again?

It’s hard to envision Is That A Fact losing but in the sport of horse racing, upsets are always a possibility. No matter what, the race promises to be a thrilling test. Apprentice rider Shaheem Gordon has been called upon by trainer Jason DaCosta to do riding honours here.

The Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over one mile (1,600m) is positioned as the ninth and final race on the card. Post time is 5:10 pm. First post is at high noon.

The real excitement lies in predicting which horse will finish second to the favoured Is That A Fact. Horses like Linguist, I Dream Again, Divine Force, Run Julie Run, and Intrestntimesahead are all capable of pulling off a strong showing.

Linguist, this year’s Jamaica Oaks winner, finished a strong second to Perfect Brew at this level on September 20. While
Linguist is not expected to win here, she should run well enough to earn some money. Her consistent performance makes her a good bet for a place.

I Dream Again, this year’s Jamaica Derby and St Leger winner, was a disappointing last of 12 runners at this level on September 28. I Dream Again is expected to run an improved race here. With some form in his legs, he could be a dark horse contender.

Divine Force finished a good third behind Desert of Malibu on July 5 in the class above. Stepping down here to compete,
Divine Force is expected to put in another strong effort. He’s a consistent performer and could be a threat.

Run Julie Run is as consistent as they come. She is also down in class here, however with Is That A Fact present, Run Julie Run’s best placing is for second.

Intrestntimesahead came home in second place behind Unspun on September 28 over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m), which showed that he is in good nick. Intrestntimesahead is expected to be among the contenders for second place here.

— Ruddy Allen

Ones to watch:

Race 1: Hi Slew Squared/T Swizzle/Princess Kris

Race 2: Storm/Green Gold Rush/Justin Biden

Race 3: Sir Don/God’s Plan/Comuna Trece

Race 4: Ballistic Missile/Sheer De Jour/Noble Monarch

Race 5: Goodbye Firefly/Ms Cherry/Smart Trick

Race 6: Brilliant Mind/Money Mission/Black Ringo

Race 7: Alchemy of Souls/Beneison/Big Buzz

Race 8: Shooting Star/Wicked Cassie/Abreathoffreshair

Race 9: Is That A Fact/Run Julie Run/Divine Force