Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Both the Pick-9 and Super-6s were caught by astute punters at Caymanas Park last Saturday, the Pick-9 shared by three punters, each receiving a cool $762,563.

Indeed, this amount could be described as a king's ransom, bearing in mind that there were no real upsets among the nine races.

With 12 races slated for the Supreme Ventures-sponsored race meet, the Pick-9 will commence from the fourth race, while the first Super-6 will embrace the first six races and the second from race seven to 12.

We look at the first Super-6 which gets under way with the $1.1 million None Such Sprint grade one co-feature over 1200 metres in which six starters have been declared. It will definitely come down to a straight fight between the reigning Horse of the Year and champion sprinter SAINT CECELIA (Shane Ellis again in the saddle) and the country's top imported horse, MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE (Omar Walker up).

The Spencer Chung-trained 6-y-o mare SAINT CECELIA has won her last eight races, including three in fast times this season. However, it is interesting to note that the last time she tasted defeat, it was inflicted by the Lorne Kirlew-trained American colt MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE over 1300 metres in June of last year.

Having worked exceptionally well for this sprint, 'MYRTLE BOY', who galloped 5¹/² furlongs in a smashing 1:05.1 by 59.1 recently, has got to be the choice in receipt of 1.0kg from topweight SAINT CECELIA.

The eighth race for the Cash Pot Bonanza Trophy for $180,000 claimers over the straight-five course looks tailored for the down-in-class THORN, whose only win was recorded over the straight among maiden three-year-olds on May 16. The bay colt raced prominently for a long way behind BROTHER TO BROTHER on a $230,000 claiming tag over 1200 metres on September 22, and stepping down in class with only 52.0kg and Walker up, should win from SIR DANE and BEYONCE.

HARD TO OPPOSE

CLASSIC PRINCESS, who went under to KAL KAL in a driving finish over a mile recently, should go one better at the expense of UPPA TUNE, CANTARE and PHILISTIA in the ninth, the Cash Pot Super Dash Trophy (non-winners of three) over 1500 metres.

CLASSIC PRINCESS has been narrowly beaten in her last two races, and with trainer Gary Subratie presenting her in fine fettle, looks hard to oppose.

Briefly, CONFLICTOFINTEREST, who has been knocking at the door, should oblige from a good break in the 10th race over 1400 metres for maiden three-year-olds fillies. She can expect stiff opposition from old rival WESTERN TRADITION, J.T. EXPRESS and SPECIAL REPORT.

Then, take the Owen Sharpe-trained UNCLE TAF, who impressed on his recent debut, to win the day's feature, the $2.95 million Cash Pot 'Only One For Me' Trophy over 1200 metres, race number one in the Supreme Ventures Triple Crown Series for two-year-olds.

UNCLE TAF overcame a slow start to win on his recent debut over 1100 metres without the use of a whip. The chestnut gelding by Traditional out of Zaza has been administered Lasix for this race, and although the Wayne DaCosta-trained duo of HOOVER CRAFT (Dane Nelson) and PERFECT NEIGHBOUR (Dick Cardenas) have both worked exceptionally well (together) in preparation for the race, UNCLE TAFF should repeat with Waker again in the saddle.

Then close all bets with the well-prepared PRIESTKING (Paul Francis up) to stave off the very fit PERSIAN GOLD in the closing race over 1300 metres.

SECOND SUPER-6 FANCIES

(7) MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE

(8) THORN/SIR DANE

(9) CLASSIC PRINCESS/UPPA TUNE

(10) CONFLICTOFINTEREST/WESTERN TRADITION

(11) UNCLE TAF/HOOVER CRAFT

(12) PRIESTKING/PERSIAN GOLD