Oneofakind all the way in Subratie Mem Trophy feature
FROM all indications, the Anthony Nunes-conditioned, five-year-old chestnut horse Oneofakind looks the prime candidate to take down the $1.14-million Non-Restricted Overnight Allowance Errol “Big Sub” Subratie Memorial Trophy feature at Caymanas Park today.
Oneofakind came off a six-month break and finished second behind the talented, American-bred Runaway Algo over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m) on September 25. In a fast run timed at 1:30.4, the Fearless Vision offspring finished just 2 1/4 lengths behind the winner. Oneofakind is much better than these, and with that first run out of the way he should be unsaddled in the winners’ enclosure when this race is over.
Crimson, from the barn of Gary Subratie, and Hover Craft, trained by Jason DaCosta, are two runners who have stepped down in grade for this trophy race and should keep the favourite honest throughout this event.
The one-mile (1,600m) contest for three-year-olds and upwards is positioned as the ninth and final event on the card with a post time of 4:50 pm. First race is at noon.
Oneofakind has raced four times this season, holding one victory and three second-place finishes. His lone win came on March 19 when he defeated top stayer Calculus by a neck in a driving finish over seven and a half furlongs.
Oneofakind has looked sharp at exercise after galloping six furlongs (1,200m) in 1:13.2 while working alongside stablemate Morimoto on Sunday, October 9. With that warm-up spin it would be hard to see anyone denying Oneofakind a victory here.
Crimson is a capable runner who seems to have lost his shadow in recent times. His last three runs were below par performances but those efforts were in the class above. Crimson returns from a break of 134 days and may need a run to get his engine going again, but at this level the six-year-old bay gelding should run well.
The old warrior Hover Craft continued to do himself justice at age 12. The bay gelding finished fourth in the Menudo Trophy over 10 furlongs (2,000m) on September 24 behind Calculus. Hover Craft takes a drop in class and could give the favourite most to do. However, he has to be closer to the pace if he is to be a serious contender.
Of the other runners in the 10-horse field Big Big Daddy, Marquesas and Best Daughter Ever could also get into the mix for a piece of the pie.
Also on tap is the $1.01-million Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC)/TOBA Heroes’ Sprint. The native-bred, two-year-old, maiden special weight event has attracted 10 juveniles who will run over five furlongs (1,000m) round.
The race should be decided among the trio of first-time runners — Mojito, Mama Mia and Kissemet.
Mojito is a grey colt bred by Savoy Stomp – Fiftyshadesofgray, trained by Richard Azan. He has worked well coming into this race, having galloped five and a half furlongs (1,100m) in 1:07.2 x 1:00.4 (five furlongs) on Sunday, October 2 alongside stablemate Perfect Brew.
Mama Mia is a chestnut filly by Soul Warrior – Princess Geeta and a half-sister to Classic winner Fayrouz. The Jason DaCosta trainee has worked five and half furlongs in 1:06.3, with the last five furlongs coming in 1:00.1 alongside stablemate Pretty Girl on Sunday, October 9.
Kissmet is a bay filly bred by Adios Charlie – Holy Cowgirl, trained by Steven Todd. She looks like a good thing in the making as she is coming along nicely at exercise. Kissmet galloped four furlongs (800m) in 46.5 while finishing the five-furlong work in 1:00.3.
— Ruddy Allen
Ones to watch:
Race 1) Anchorman/Whisky/Givemethelight
Race 2) Loose Cannan/Thegoodlife/Gentle
Giant
Race 3) Wifey Sez So/Awesome Boy/Duke
of Springs
Race 4) Boss Izzy/Contractor/Commissioner
Race 5) Sudden Flight/City Counsel/Lala
Diva
Race 6) Hijo Primero/Faukland/No Surrender
Race 7) Mama Mia/Kissmet/Mojito
Race 8) Luksol/Golden Wattle/Thalos
Race 9) Oneofakind/Hover Craft/Crimson