Expect a Dream run in Lady Geeta feature
IT’S J OCKEYS’ Guild Day at Caymanas Park, the 10-race programme featuring the grade one Lady Geeta Trophy, which brings together the reigning Horse of the Year, SEEKING MY DREAM, and top sprinter CAMPESINO over 1200 metres.
Also on the card is the annual renewal of the Jamaica Jockeys’ Guild Trophy over 1400 metres to be contested by 14 starters, including the consistent WAR TIME, the one to beat in this restricted allowance race for native-bred four-yearolds and up (non-winners of two). But the big clash is definitely between SEEKING MY DREAM with champion jockey Omar Walker again, riding for 16-time champion trainer Wayne DaCosta; and CAMPESINO to be ridden by in-form Robert Halledeen for 14-time champion Philip Feanny.
SEEKING MY DREAM, who won the ultra-rich Diamond Mile for a second straight year on December 10, came back with a record-equalling performance on his seasonal debut in the Chairman’s Trophy over 1500 metres on March 11, tries sprinting for the first time since establishing himself prior to his 2015 derby winning campaign, and faces a formidable opponent in the reigning Caribbean Sprint champion CAMPESINO in receipt of 5.0kg. It’s left to be seen whether he can overhaul a fit CAMPESINO over sprint distances.
TOP CLASS
CAMPESINO, in fact, has won his two races so far this season in fast times. He really looked a top class campaigner when slamming BRAWN in the grade one Eileen Cliggott Memorial Trophy over 1300 metres with topweight of 57.0kg and in present shape, will only go down fighting.
SEEKING MY DREAM, however, is in the best shape of his life and gives the impression that he can beat any horse over any distance at present.
Owned by Member of Parliament Derrick Smith, the classy 5-y-o horse by Seeking The Glory out of the 2008 Horse of the Year Alsafra, has looked razor sharp at exercise, and having beaten CAMPESINO convincingly when they last met in the $13.9 million Diamond Mile, his status as the best horse in the country should impact on the proceedings, even from the head of the handicaps.
DaCosta and Walker should also team up to win the fourth race over 1100 metres with ALEXANDER REW (working well), who showed promise behind SILENCE on his February 14 debut. UNBREAKABLE, a recent winner, is tipped to repeat in the opening race over 1500 metres for $450,000-$400,000 claimers, MONEY MOVE to win the third, BORDER LINE in the sixth for exercise riders, as well as BIRDIE MY LOVE in the seventh for overnight allowance horses and NEWTON’S FIRST LAW in the eighth for the Al Gopie Memorial Cup.