ALFALLO, running at gigantic odds of 73-1 with Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas aboard, scores a stunning upset in the sixth race for the Purcell Keith Trophy over 1500 metres at Caymanas Park last Saturday. The five-year-old mare is owned and trained by Lee Clarke, the deputy mayor of Kingston. - Colin Hamilton/freelance photographer
Seven starters have been declared for today's feature race at Caymanas Park, the Tewfic Ziadie Memorial Cup, $390,000-$340,000 claiming, over the circular nine course.
Post time is 1 p.m. and 10 races are slated.
Despite a small field, the feature should be keenly contested as most of the starters have good claims, with the exception of GEORGINA BEST, who is way in above her head, and JET BLASTER, who though useful on his best form, should find 1820 metres taxing.
Trainer Ryan Darby has a strong contender in LATIN KING, who comes in at the convenient mark of 53.0 kg with title-chasing jockey Paul 'Country' Francis aboard.
Also in the line-up are recent winners STRONG DELIVERY and PIECE A FOOT, along with the late-kicking SAMBA DANCER, who last won over 1600 metres on January 31 and, although up in class, could make it close.
Competent jockey
Also in with a shot is the Harry Sital-trained MAGNIFICO under competent jockey Andrew Thomas, who recently returned from a four-month stint in Florida.
LATIN KING and STRONG DELIVERY should have a keen tussle for favouritism and, to my mind, the winner should come from this duo.
When both horses last met over 1400 metres on January 1, they were beaten in a three-way photo-finish by SPANISH TOWN, with STRONG DELIVERY finishing a head second and LATIN KING a farther neck away third. At the revised weights, there is really little to choose between them today. Both are not only fit but also effective over the distance.
STRONG DELIVERY, however, is coming off a fighting victory over TOUCHDOWN at 1600 metres last Wednesday and, although having changed stables since (claimed), he again has the services of in-form jockey Dane Nelson, which is a plus in his favour.
Convenient mark
The American-bred five-year-old horse also won over the distance in 2007 when trained by 14-time champion Philip Feanny and back in action under the guidance of top-10 trainer Gary Subratie, gets my vote from the convenient mark of 54.0kg.
LATIN KING, however, should ensure he is extended in the closing stages.
Elsewhere on the programme, Subratie should saddle another winner in the promising American filly, SHANGHAI PASS, in the opening race over 1400 metres for native and imported three-year-olds.
SHANGHAI PASS broke the ice recently when leading home the useful native bred colt HE'S REALLY OK by a length in a fast-run 1500-metre race. She continues to please in her preparation and, despite top weight of 57.0kg, should repeat at the expense of the speedy UNBRIDLED RUNNER.
Other firm fancies on the card are RIFLEMAN to repeat at the expense of recent winner SLEDGE in the second race; UNDAUNTED in the sixth, recent winner COCK ROBIN to stave off BULLSEYE in the seventh; and ORION to upstage NATURAL ATLANTA in the nightcap.