Crimson to turn tide on rivals in Yvonne Mattis Cup

DESPITE having not won a race in well over a year, the Gary Subratie-trained Crimson could use consistency and back quality to defeat competitors in today’s $1.14-million Yvonne Mattis Cup main event at Caymanas Park.

Crimson hasn’t won a race since winning the Lloyd Lindberg “Lindy” Delapenha Memorial Trophy on March 17, 2022, but the seven-year-old bay horse hasn’t fared too terribly in his races.

Crimson was anticipated to reach the winners’ enclosure on several occasions, but he failed to do so as the favourite a couple of times. Crimson has only finished off the board once in his previous four appearances this year and appears to be a much better animal than these.

Crimson’s most recent race occurred on April 29 over one mile (1,600m), where he was beaten out of sight, finishing last in a 13-horse field by more than 46 lengths behind Blue Vinyl. That run may be discarded, as Crimson is far superior to that final place.

The Nuclear Wayne offspring has been equipped with the visor for the Yvonne Mattis Cup, giving him his greatest chance of entering the winners’ enclosure in a long time. Crimson, who will weigh 54.0kgs (119 lb), should be unsaddled in the winners’ enclosure for the first time in 14 months under the experienced hands of the ‘’Iceman’’ himself, Aaron Chatrie.

Miniature Man, from champion and leading trainer Jason Dacosta’s stables, appears to be the major challenge to Crimson here, with Big Big Daddy, Stomp The Rhythm, and Marquesas all capable of surprising if the top two fail to deliver.

The three-year-old and upwards Overnight Allowance call over nine furlongs (1,800m) is positioned as the 10th event on the 11-race card with a post time of 4:55 pm. First race is at 11:30 am.

Miniature Man has struggled to find form recently and has failed to impress in his four races this season. However, he finished fourth by 11 lengths in the same race where Crimson finished last, so he has stable’s confidence. Miniature Man has exercised well in preparation for the race, clocking a time of 1:17.3 for six furlongs (1,200m) on Monday, May 5. Miniature Man, a five-year-old chestnut gelding, is talented enough to put up a good fight as Abigail Able rides with a high weight of 57.0kgs (126 lb).

Big Big Daddy, Crimson’s stablemate, is a steady type who always gives his all at the races. Big Big Daddy, who finished seventh last time out, is anticipated to run considerably better this time, especially with champion rider Dane Dawkins onboard.

Stomp The Rhythm, a four-year-old bay gelding by Savoy Stomp and River Rhythm, performed admirably to achieve this level. While Stomp The Rhythm, trained by Vincent Atkinson, has some talent, he is unlikely to win this race, but he may have an effect on the outcome. Former champion jockey Anthony Thomas has the advantage once more.

Marquesas, a previous Jamaica St Leger champion, is another runner who hasn’t won a race in a long time. Marquesas’ most recent notable performance occurred on January 21 of this year, when he placed second at high odds of 99-1, about a length and a quarter behind Sweet Majesty in a seven-furlong (1,400m) race. Michael Marlowe’s eight-year-old bay horse has nothing to fear and should put up a good performance. Tevin Foster is the rider.

Secret Traveller, D Head Cornerstone, Gambler, Daddy Jones, and Bern Notice round out the field.