Liu Chie Poo Trophy shapes as three-way battle
THE $1.25-million Liu Chie Poo Trophy takes centre stage on Saturday’s 10-race card at Caymanas Park. The Overnight Allowance for three-year-olds and upward over one mile (1.600m) has drawn nine runners but on form, class, and preparation, it looks a race of three.
The Richard Azan-conditioned Mojito heads the market on class. The six-year-old grey horse by Savoy Stomp – Fiftyoneshadesofray was only fifth behind Sir Don in the Saint Cecelia Cup on his seasonal debut April 18, but that was a warm-up. He’s been working with purpose since, and on pure talent he’s the one to beat. If he brings his A-game the trophy stays in the cabinet of the class horse.
Intrestntimesahead adds intrigue. The five-year-old by Bold Conquest – My Friend Lucy returns from a four-month break with a new address — Peter-John Parsard now calls the shots. Parsard has him training really well, and the change of management has clearly sparked him up. Off a break but sharp at home, Intrestntimesahead is expected to be one of the main contenders. If he’s fit enough he’ll make Mojito earn it.
Blue Vinyl completes the trio. The seven-year-old chestnut by Bern Identity – Blufield was only beaten a length by Is That A Fact over nine furlongs (1,800m) on May 10. He comes back a furlong shorter here and his work has been fairly good. Blue Vinyl stays forever and knows how to find the line. With the pace likely to be honest he’ll be rolling late and challenging for top honours.
Sheer Delight (USA) has been struggling of late but he’s a five-year-old by Girvin with enough ability to fire a big shot if he catches his best form. Don’t ignore him completely. The rest face an uphill task. The General, Captain Sparrow, and King Piye can safely be bypassed on current form. Provident isn’t expected to be a major player, while Supemasi will be doing well to pick up a minor cheque.
Ones to watch:
Race 1)
The Love Of God/Da Queen’s Bee/Havajoy
Race 2)
Novio/Iam Who I Am/Uncle Nally
Race 3)
Sweet Bern/C W Treasure/Time Bomb
Race 4)
Absolute Blue/Storm Boy/Manoushe
Race 5)
The Hot Dancer/Brompton Alex/Blood Moon
Race 6)
Formalist/Margarita/Dutchess
Race 7)
Chocomo/Dream to Reality/Emperorofthecats
Race 8)
Diesel Train/Star Quest/Beneison
Race 9)
Mojito/Intrestntimesahead/Blue Vinyl
Race 10)
Everything Kriss/Maverick/Wah A Gwaan
