Calculus returns to face the starters in the $1.5-m Menudo Trophy and by all indications, the four-year-old bay colt should have an easy passage on his way home in the three-year-old and upwards Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest at Caymanas Park.

Trained by Gary Subratie, Calculus, last year’s Jamaica Derby and St Leger winner and runner-up to the Horse of the Year, is a proven two-turn specialist who will carry the bulk of the betting and weight of 57.0kgs (126 lb).

Calculus stepped down to the Overnight Allowance level on September 11 and defeated rivals going nine plus (1,820m) by 2 ¼ lengths in a time of 1:55.2. He returns to the top grade in good nick and should again be a comfortable winner.

I Am Fred, trained by Jason DaCosta, and Big Jule, trained by Ian Parsard, should provide most competition for Calculus here.

Menudo Trophy, which is listed as the main attraction on the 10-race card, is positioned as the eighth event with a post time of 3:40 pm. The first race is at 11:30 am.

Menudo is rated as one of the best long-distance runners to leave his hoofprints in the sand at Caymanas Park. Menudo, trained in his racing career by Richard Azan, holds the distinction of winning the prestigious Superstakes (10 furlongs) on four occasions from 2000 to 2003. Little wonder then that the Menudo Trophy will be contested over 10 furlongs (2,000m).

Calculus has trained well for the Menudo race, clocking 1:15.3 easy for six furlongs (1,200m) on September 18. Shane Ellis remains in the saddle as the Sensational Slam – Trinket Box offspring goes in search of his ninth-career win.

I Am Fred ran the race of his life to beat the top-rated Mahogany in the None Such Trophy on September 10. I Am Fred got home by a short head in a time of 1:11.3 for six furlongs. The improving I Am Fred holds a win at two turns (June 4, 2022) when beating stablemate Billy Wizz and Calculus at nine furlongs and 25 yards.

Based on his running style, the four-year American-bred bay gelding should not have an issue going 10 furlongs. I Am Fred is as fit as can be, making him a live contender for top honours. Chris Mamdeen will ride at 55.0kgs (121 lb).

Big Jule is a very talented colt who has developed a passion for two-turn races. Big Jule was a winner on last when travelling nine furlongs and 25 yards, beating Best Daughter Ever and Ras Emanuel on July 1, to register his fifth win from nine career starts. He now faces seasoned top graders but has the potential to deliver. He is going to play a significant role in the outcome of the Menudo Trophy. Dane Dawkins will ride at 51.0kgs (112 lb).

The other runners in the six-horse field are Eagle One, Hover Craft and Big Big Daddy.

Eagle One failed on two occasions at the Overnight Allowance when all the conditions for success suited him. Eagle One steps up to compete and should not trouble the main principals. He can be seen as a filler for his more accomplished stablemate, I Am Fred.

At 12 years, Hover Craft is one of the oldest horses still in training. He is a hard-knocking old-timer who is a genuine campaigner, plus he prefers to go long, especially at two turns. Hover Craft will be coming on in the straight for a minor place on the board.

Big Big Daddy has been racing frequently of late in the lower grade of Overnight Allowance without much to show for his efforts. He can be seen as a filler for his more accomplished stablemate, Calculus.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Wowza/Salah/Miss Linda Wray

Race 2) Life Is Life/Awesome Anthony/Whizz Kid

Race 3) Bin Laden/Chennai Express/Ajita

Race 4) Papa Albert/Okahumpka/Storming

Race 5) Nefertari/Real Boss/Rainsville

Race 6) Bugatti/Baton Rouge/Alexa’s Lodge

Race 7) Wright in Flight/Avenging Angel/Slamsilano

Race 8) Calculus/I Am Fred/Big Jule

Race 9) Anchorman/Don Vincenzo/Whisky

Race 10) Oldkingcole/Sweetyman/King’s Magician