Jordon Reign’s hopes to keep winning form going
JORDON Reign’s will bid to make it four wins from four runs when he goes for the $1.5-million She’s A Maneater Trophy, the feature event on the nine-race programme at Caymanas Park today.
The Ian Parsard-conditioned, four-year-old, American-bred bay gelding Jordon Reign’s faces by far his toughest test yet in the three-year-olds and upward Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest over one mile (1,600m), lining up against the likes of former Derby winner King Arthur and fellow Americans Eroy, Runaway Algo, and I Am Fred at a trip which seems too long off his optimum.
Bred by Mosler-Dearie Be Good, Jordon Reign’s is an improved and talented runner who completed a hat-trick of wins on August 13 when defeating Curlin’s Affair and stablemate She’s A Wonder at five furlongs (1,000m) straight.
Jordon Reign’s races over a mile for the first time. In fact, the longest journey he has been asked to run in his eight-race career has been six and a half furlongs (1,300m). Yet, based on his style of running on, this US-bred gelding should be able to deal with a mile comfortably.
Owned by ROAM, the far-striding Jordan Reign’s is heading to the top, and this trophy race should be another of the stepping stones to achieving that feat. Dane Dawkins replaces Dick Cardenas in the saddle, riding at 55.0kgs (121lb).
The She’s A Maneater, honouring one of the most accomplished thoroughbreds to ever run at Caymanas Park, is positioned as the eighth race on the card with a post time of 4:45 pm. First race gets off at 12:30 pm with a five-year-olds and upward Claiming ($250,000-$200,000) event that included native-bred six-year-olds and upward (non-winners of two), and native-bred five-year-olds and upwards (maidens) going six furlongs (1,200m).
King Arthur, from the barn of current leading trainer Jason DaCosta, came on well in the final furlong to win the Eros Trophy (July 30), beating Calculus and Money Monster. King Arthur blows hot and cold most of the timebut still another good effort is anticipated, with a mile to his liking. Note: With the constant rain being experienced across the island, if it rains today and the She’s A Maneater is contested on a sloppy track, the likelihood of King Arthur winning is greatly increased as he thoroughly enjoys wet underfoot conditions. At 55.5kgs (122 lb), champion jockey Anthony Thomas will ride.
King Arthur’s stablemare I Am Fred has been there and thereabouts in most of his races. The four-year-old bay gelding is the fly on the wall in this trophy race. He is capable of running close enough behind the leader (s) and is known for his strong finishing burst. I Am Fred has a good outsider’s chance of winning this one but he has to put every step right. Reyan Lewis returns to ride at top weight of 57.0kgs (126 lb).
Eroy returned to the top grade on July 30, placing seventh in the Eros Trophy behind King Arthur over seven furlongs (1400m). Eroy faces King Arthur again but is slightly better off in the handicaps. Eroy, from the one draw, can go in front or can be settled close behind the leader (s), before striking when called on. An improved effort is expected from Eroy as Omar Walker is called upon to riding honours at 54.0kgs (119 lb) by hall of fame trainer Richard Azan.
Trained by Dale Murphy, Runaway Algo was expected to win the Eros Trophy on July 30 over seven furlongs but the American-bred runner finished in fourth place, a length and three quarters behind King Arthur. That was a lukewarm effort by Runaway Algo, who can be counted on to produce a better attempt in this trophy race. This American-bred colt also tries a mile for the first time, the longest trip of his seven-race career. He can lead, and can also be close to the leaders, before making a bid for victory in the lane. A better effort is expected from Runaway Algo in the She’s A Maneater. Note: Runaway Algo races with the visor on. Former champion jockey Chris Mamdeen takes up the reins at 54.5kgs (120 lb).
She’s My Destiny and Hover Craft, both also trained by DaCosta, and Money Monster who is bred, owned and trained by Fitzroy Glispie completed the line-up for what is expected to be an exciting battle.
She’s My Destiny did well to reach the top level after back-to-back wins in the Overnight Allowance grouping. She’s My Destiny was stretched out to a mile on last (August 13) and summarily dispatched much weaker opposition than she is facing tomorrow. This filly has speed and will more than likely vie for the lead. Nothing more is expected from She’s My Destiny.
For Hover Craft, this old-timer just keeps on going and going, however, he cannot match strides with this younger and more talented set of rivals. Money Monster has no chance of winning this one.
Ones to watch
Race 1) Storm Valley/Senor Kwanzi/Nasdaq Princess
Race 2) Pro Johnny/Magic Bullet/Hopenperseverance
Race 3) Pakman/Breaking Storm/Lazer Light
Race 4) Superluminal/Olde Wharf/Uncle Vinnie
Race 5) Anchorman/She’s My Friend/Adenosine
Race 6) Dodge This Link/Ajita/Just An Illusion
Race 7) Oldkingcole/Aphelios/Sweetyman
Race 8) Jordon Reign’s/Runaway Algo/King Arthur
Race 9) Silent Mission/Babylike/Wowtastic