A new-look last race ‘Dig Out’ Handicap sponsored by Alex’s Imports Ltd to the tune of $2 million for one year will return to its favourite slot at the end of each programme, and will highlight a nine-race card at Caymanas Park today with a maiden condition race for native-bred three-year-olds over 1,200 metres for a purse of $715,000 plus $20,000 from the sponsors.

The race, which offers the connections of the winning horse — owner, trainer, jockey, and groom — an equal share of the additional $20,000 has attracted a competitive field of 14 maidens.

The field looks prepared for keen rivalry but only one is likely to win with the most advanced based on past performances given the edge. Among them are Unsung Hero, Odin, Mumbai Maestro, Riverton, Saint Jacory, and Pat N Gold.

MS Stables’ Odin, a bay colt by Traditional out of Zig’s Quiet Lady (Quiet American) made an eye-opening debut over 1,000 metres straight on Guineas Day to place himself among the top contenders, as on that occasion he was only a neck away third in a tight photo finish.

Trained by the veteran Norman Palmer, Odin returns some four weeks later well prepared to ride the bends and judging from his exercise gallops since, looks even more at home over 1,300 metres and is again sure to be in the heat of battle when this is being decided. Veteran jockey Allen Maragh, who was aboard on debut, has been called upon again to ride.

The one most likely to be a serious challenger to Odin is Gemini Stables’ grey gelding Mumbai Maestro. Trained by Morris Powell, the son of Burning Marque is among the most experienced in the line-up and having shown a liking for the trip in the past could use the 3.0kg claim of apprentice Jevvanne Erwin to finally release his maiden tag of his ninth career run.

He looks quite comfortable among these and with his fitness in evidence after his workmanlike fourth place, running on behind first-time runner Michepooh nine days ago, should now go much closer than on past efforts against better opposition.

The Richard Todd-bred, owned and trained Unsung Hero has been highly favoured in the last three of his four races, but has failed to deliver. His last performance could be excused as he was saddled with the blinkers. That equipment has been since removed and reverting to the more comfortable tied tongue and Lasix. Added to this, the top-claiming apprentice Doushane Gordon has been called upon to replace Robert Halledeen in the saddle and if these changes are anything to go by then the grey son of He’stherealthing out of Distintive Queen could run to do his breeding proud.

Damien A McKenzie’s chestnut colt Saint Jacory to be ridden by Shane Ellis for trainer Carl Anderson and Ruth Hussey’s bay filly Pat N Gold trained by Donald McKenzie and ridden by David McKenzie look certain to run well to add to the competitiveness of the event, bearing in mind the additional incentive of $5,000 each for the winning owner, trainer, jockey, and groom.