Speed to decide Gerry Skelton Memorial Trophy over 5 furlongs
Twelve runners are down to contest the $1.25-million Gerry Skelton Memorial Trophy, the feature race on Saturday’s 10-race card. The three-year-old and upward Overnight Allowance contest will run over 5 furlongs (1,000m) straight.
The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide assesses the chances:
1. ATLANTIC CONVOY (CAN): (6 ch h by Stormy Atlantic – My Sweet Emily) – Drawn on the fence at number one. The outside post is usually better going straight. Hard to fancy.
2. FORMALIST: (4 ch c by Bold Conquest – Miss Formality) –Will find these too hot to handle.
3. PEPPER STEPPER (USA): (3 b c by Tunwoo – Ribbing) – Has earned his way to this level.
Pepper Stepper has the class and talent to compete and is expected to challenge for top honours.
4. SALUTE THE DON: (3 ch c by Aveenu Malcainu – Abicadabby) – This year’s 2000 Guineas winner. The 5-furlong sprint is not his game and he should not be a major player here.
5. OF A REVOLUTION: ( 7 ch h by McLean’s Music – Hot Spell) – Ran a disappointing 4th behind Pack Plays in the recent None Such Sprint over 6 furlongs. Has been working well since and has no issues with the straight course. Of A Revolution could lead them home.
6. SHE’S THAT GIRL: (5 ch m by Sensational Slam – Palace Gold) – Has natural speed and is expected to dictate early. If she gets an easy lead she could prove hard to peg back.
7. ZULU WARRIOR: (5 ch h by Soul Warrior – Lookatmenow) – Capable on his day but others have stronger claims here.
8. GOODBYE FIREFLY (USA): (5 b h by Mucho Macho Man – Shanghai Lady) – Comes in on the back of two straight wins in high claiming company. That winning streak likely ends in this tougher spot.
9. COMMANDER Z (USA): (5 ch h by Khozan – Wontoo) – Was an upset winner last time. Not expected to repeat against this field.
10. BULLETPROOFCOFFEE (USA): (6 b m by He Be Fire N Ice – Plan A Surprise) – A lover of the straight course, but may be outclassed here.
11. TEFLON DON: (5 b h by Casual Trick – The Lady Scored) – Can safely be bypassed.
12. MISS MONEYPENNY: (4 ch f by Bern Identity – Pomeroy’s Secret) – Has no winning chance on form.
