Alsafra ... has an abundance of class. - File
The 2008 Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year, ALSAFRA, is fancied to win today's graded stakes feature for the Chairman's Trophy over 1500 metres at Caymanas Park despite taking on three very fit opponents.
Following her decisive win over the improving American colt SHANGHAI PASS over 1600 in the mud last Saturday, ALSAFRA renews rivalry with her old rival once again and indications are it will be closer, especially with Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas giving way to the more experienced Trevor Simpson, aboard SHANGHAI PASS.
title-chasng jockey
ALSAFRA, with title-chasng jockey Dane Nelson again in the saddle, will not only have SHANGHAI PASS to contend with, as also present is the vastly improved REGAL SELECTION, who has won four of his last five races, not to mention the Philip Feanny-trained American filly, LITTLE WASP, who is coming off a recent win over the distance and reports lightly weighted.
However, despite their good claims, ALSAFRA remains the one to beat despite top weight of 57.0kg. The four-year-old filly from the stables of Fitznahum Williams is very fit and should bring her abundance of class into play.
The Gary Subratie-trained SHANGHAI PASS, beaten by 1-3/4 lengths last Saturday, is 2.5kg better off with ALSAFRA and should ensure she is fully extended in the final rush.
'Dig Out' Handicap
Meanwhile, beginning today, the final race on the programme will be known as the Track Price Plus 'Dig Out' Handicap, thanks to a unique form of sponsorship from the island's leading bookmaking company.
The straight five race for maiden five-year-olds will see Track Price Plus contributing a total of $20,000 to be shared among the winning connections of the race. This will be repeated on the last race of each raceday for the remainder of the year.
Track Price will also offer a range of bets, including bonuses on the race. The promotion will cost Track Price Plus $2 million annually.
In what amounts to a lottery, owing to the wayward nature of the 14 horses engaged, SHADOWS, who has been working well for her new connections, could finally get off the mark today.
The five-year-old mare from the stables of Linton Calder is dogged by an acute gate problem and can never be trusted to leave the gates promptly. However, I understand she has taken a more positive approach under Calder's guidance and, coming from a favourable high number draw, should win from the speedy SIR FIN and JAX WILD CARD.
Other firm fancies on the card are MY SPACE to make all in the first race, NATURALLY ROYAL to tag the course specialist HIGH ROLLER in the fourth for overnight allowance horses over the straight, down-in-class RED LION in the fifth, GRACE MARIE in the seventh and SEA PATROL in the ninth.