Gary Subratie’s Duke seems all set to open his account for the new year as he takes on a small field in a three-year-old and upwards Open Allowance contest for the St Catherine Cup over six furlongs (1,200m) at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

Though getting on in age, Duke, a seven-year-old grey, remains a highly versatile and consistent sort, as he continues to demonstrate grit and class in his performances and today’s assignment should be no different, despite the presence of more fleet-footed runners in what should be a mouth-watering affair.

Post time for this feature event is 4:10 pm. First post on the nine-race card is at noon.

In is last assignment of 2022, Duke recovered from a slow start to place second behind the speedy She’s My Destiny over 5 1/2 furlongs (1,100m) on Boxing Day. Now going a bit longer, if that performance is anything to go by, then he should be able to brush these aside despite again being asked to foot topweight of 57.0kg (126lb). Champion jockey Dane Dawkins replaces Robert Halledeen in the saddle for this engagement and only needs to get Duke out the gates in a tidy manner to get the job done.

Duke’s perennial rival God of Love, conditioned by Rowan Mathie, faded badly into third position in that said Boxing Day contest after attempting to match strides with eventual winner She’s My Destiny. With Duke finishing ahead of him, God of Love, also seven years old, is again expected to play second fiddle to his rival, especially with Dawkins, who partnered him on last, opting to go for Duke on this occasion.

The speedy importee Madelyn’s Sunshine from the barns of champion trainer Jason DaCosta, could make things interesting, as she is all but certain to be on the headlines from where she would prove competitive.

This filly hardly placed a hoof wrong last year, winning four of her seven races, complemented by a second- and third-place finish. Her worst finish was on December 10 when she placed seventh behind God of Love and Duke over today’s distance. While, both Duke and God of Love are again present here, Madelyn’s Sunshine is freshened and will take some catching with Halledeen aboard.

Phillip Feanny’s American-bred I’ve Got Magic should also be in contention when this is being decided, as he enjoyed fairly good form last year, including a few surprising performances to upstage more fancied rivals. Like Duke, I’ve Got Magic is a versatile performer and though he would have liked it longer, the journey will by no means be an issue. Leading rider Tevin Foster has replaced Anthony Thomas for this engagement.

Anthony Nunes’ Curlin’s Affair is a capable sort, who came from off the pace to beat Overnight Allowance company over the five straight course in sloppy conditions last week, but now back up in class in what should be a brisk six-furlong contest, he could be hard-pressed in his bid for a second-consecutive win.

The same is true for Subratie’s other runner Alexa’s Dream, who is seemingly here to make up numbers for her stable companion, Duke.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Premier Identity/True Rylie/Asurety

Race 2) Biblical Legend/Inspired Miracle/Blood Song

Race 3) Truly Begotten Son/Curlin’s Noon/She’s A Mirage

Race 4) Airstream/Gracefully Made/Love DUB

Race 5) Turnonthelight/Versatile Vision/Arabia

Race 6) Silver Fox/Bridal Blush/Chandra’s Law

Race 7) Sunset Silhouette/Wowza/Power

Race 8) Madelyn’s Sunshine/Duke/God of Love

Race 9) Flame Carrier/Crushing Power/Gone A Negril