Lunar Rocket all the way

THE ABSENCE of a trophy race on today’s midweek programme at Caymanas Park shifts the spotlight to the restricted allowance race (non-winners of two) to be contested by 13 three-year-olds over the round five course.

Top contenders are the speedy pair of LUNAR ROCKET and BLUE MOON, who finished second and third respectively to LOTTERY TICKET over 1100 metres on November 5.

The Fitznahum Williams-trained LUNAR ROCKET led at a fast clip into the straight ahead of BLUE MOON and although looking likely to hold on when two lengths clear a furlong out, was caught close to home by the fastfinishing LOTTERY TICKET in what was a fast-run race (1:05.4).

Given the shorter distance and the presence of a more experienced rider in Robert Halledeen, LUNAR ROCKET should not be caught.

Coming from a favourable draw at post position nine, she is again expected to outsprint old rivals BLUE MOON with leading jockey Omar Walker and LIKE A LADY under former champion Wesley Henry, based on her 58.2 split for the first five furlongs last time out.

FIRM FANCIES

LUNAR ROCKET is still handily placed in the scales with 53.0kg and should go one better at the expense of the Wayne DaCosta-trained BLUE MOON, LIKE A LADY and PROUD PRESIDENT.

Other firm fancies on the well-supported nine-race programme, which commences at 1:05 p.m. are the well-forward two-year-old debutante BAD GAL HILARY in the opening race for maiden two-year-olds; FIFTYONESTORM to rebound in the second, GOFORHOME in the fourth, MAN IN BLUE in the sixth over the straight and SIRMANDI in the closing race over 1500 metres for $180,000 claimers.