By Orville Clarke, Freelance WriterVOICE MAIL, an easy winner when last raced over 1500 metre on February 5, is tipped to repeat when she reports for the opening 1400-metre race in tomorrow's Racing Pools game at Caymanas Park. There is a carryover of $65,000.
VOICE MAIL, who will again be ridden by Leo Miller, made virtually all to win by 5 1/2 lengths and although returning in a tougher spot, has so much in her favour that she should outspeed PALMETTO XPRESS, PARTING SHOT and TOM CAT (all fit horses) into the straight and hold them at bay to the line.
PALMETTO XPRESS will certainly have his supporters after losing narrowly to the 99-1 outsider SIR SASTRI BAHADUR over the circular nine course on February 1 and along with PARTING SHOT (working well) and SIR KISSON LAL should ensure worthwhile opposition for VOICE MAIL.
Next on the programme is a 1200-metre claiming race ($250,000 - $230,000) in which most of the seven starters have good claims. The four that matter are recent winner CLASSY TANYA, BUSHY PARK RAJA, SIG SAUER and MYKONOS who, in particular, has worked really well coming into this race.
BUSHY PARK RAJA has the best form to recommend, having won his last three races over the past seven weeks, the first of these over this trip on Boxing Day. BUSHY PARK RAJA really enjoys winning races and although up a bit in the weights, should still make a brave bid.
SIG SAUER, who finished a close up third to BUSHY PARK RAJA over the straight five course on January 31, came back to finish a length third to RED BOOTLACES over 1400 metres last Saturday and to my mind, seems ready to pay an overdue visit to the winners' enclosure, especially with in-form jockey Ameth Robles taking the ride.
SIG SAUER has the right credentials in my book, but BUSHY PARK RAJA and the well prepared MYKONOS will ensure she is extended.
The day's banker comes in the form of BANJUHAR in the third race over 1200 metres for three-year-old maidens.
Owned and trained by Richard Azan, the 3-y-o gelding by Pat N Jac out of Alejandra has finished second in all five starts and with the competition not as strong as before, should win from ROYAL MALICE and INTROSPECTION, his only two serious rivals in the eight-horse field.
ELEGANCE, with Robles aboard, should be good enough to land the fourth race over 1400 metres (non winners of three).
The 4-y-o chestnut filly was thwarted by faulty gear when highly fancied for a one mile race on January 25, eventually finishing eighth. Prior to that, however, she proved competitive in successive races and should win from GANADOR (working well) and WARRIOR.
SIPPIN CHAMPAGNE, who has shown definite ability in his last two starts, looks hard to oppose in the fifth race for maiden four-year-olds and up over the straight five course. The four-year-old son of French Champagne has worked well in preparation for this race and having secured a favourable high number draw, should win from SHADE OF BLUE (now trained by Richie Todd) and ANTAGONIST.
The last three races should be won by SCOTCHONTHEROCKS (going places), COLONEL GRAMPS (improving now) and DANCING PRINCESS (knocking at the door).
Their respective dangers are the debutante WARREN B, a half brother to one-time 'Horse of the Year' Temperence Oaks, SWEET JADE in the 7th and PAPPARAZZI in the closing race.
SELECTIONS
(1) VOICE MAIL/PALMETTO XPRESS/PARTING SHOT
(2) SIG SAUER/BUSHY PARK RAJA/MYKONOS
(3) BANJUHAR/ROYAL MALICE/INTROSPECTION
(4) ELEGANCE/GANADOR/WARRIOR
(5) SIPPIN CHAMPAGNE/SHADE OF BLUE/ANTAGONIST
(6) SCOTCHONTHEROCKS/WARREN B/ROYAL TIARA
(7) COLONEL GRAMPS/SWEET JADE/VALIANT NATURE
(8) DANCING PRINCESS/PAPARRAZZI/SOPHISTICATED LADY
