Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer
MAGNIFICO, running at odds of 4-1 with apprentice Javour Simpson aboard, holds on by half a length to thwart a late run on the inside from special CAT (Trevor Simpson) in the seventh race over 1820 metres at Caymanas Park on Wednesday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
NINE HORSES from the $270,000-$250,000 claming spread are slated to contest the Violet Armond Memorial Cup over 1600 metres at Caymanas Park today, including the likely favourite, BORN FIGHTER, who has been knocking at the door.
Trained by Lawrence Freemantle who has been doing pretty well with his claiming horses this season, BORN FIGHTER caught the eye when a fast-finishing third to his out-of-class stable companion I AM PAID FOR over 1500 metres on August 16, beaten four lengths on a $390,000 claiming tag.
Having lowered his sights to vie for this trophy ($390,000 down to $270,000) and the additional 100 metres even more to his liking, BORN FIGHTER should prove hard to deny in the closing stages from the convenient mark of 51kg.
reducing weight
Freemantle has opted for com-petent 3kg claiming apprentice Delroy Beharie thus reducing the gelding's weight from 54 to 51kg.
BORN FIGHTER, who had earlier run KEELER to half a length over 1500 metres on a similar $270,000 tag on July 19, looks the right choice at these weights. However, the five-year-old son of Natural Selection can expect stiff opposition from the useful SAMMY OH SO, who is also down-in-class for a crack at this trophy.
SAMMY OH SO, an American six-year-old horse, had some smart form earlier this season when trained by the veteran Frank Parham, winning back-to-back races over middle distances in April and May.
When last raced on a $420,000 claiming tag July 26, SAMMY OH SO, who now takes orders from Clifford Atkinson Jr, was beaten out of sight by GUIDING LIGHT, but now aimed this low and connections opting for in-form rider Dane Nelson, the hint should be taken as he will more than likely have to be caught.
convincing win
Recent winner SAMBA DANCER ran on well to win convincingly over 1400 metres recently and although up a notch to vie for this trophy, should not be denied a chance with former champion Shane Ellis now taking the ride, while WHEELS OF LAW, RAINBOW TRAIN and SHAHID, all winners this season, could prove competitive with a trophy up for grabs. But it will more than likely come down to BORN FIGHTER and SAMMY OH SO.
Based on the last run, BORN FIGHTER should not be beaten today.
Other firm fancies on the card are GOOD COMPANY to stave off old rival PRIME MINISTER in the second race over 1600 metres for overnight allowance horses; the speedy I'M MAGIC to hold GAMBOA at bay in the fifth, BORN TO DANCE to go one better in the sixth and down in class , FELICIDAD to upstage BACK POCKET in the seventh.
