Jamaica Gleaner

Start Superstake­s Day with ICTUS

- Elton Tucker/Assistant Editor – Sports

THE FOUR-YEAR-OLD colt ICTUS has made a steady climb down the claiming ladder and is now ready for a big effort in tomorrow’s opening race of the Sunrise-Six on Burger King Superstake­s Day at Caymanas Park.

The Steven Todd-trained colt has always done well over the 1000 metres straight distance. On July 18, he was second to Lady Jaela in a good final time of 1:00.3, and three days later, was again the runner-up, this time to Polly B in $850,000 claiming. He will be very comfortabl­e sprinting against $250,000 claimers, including the fast BULLET RAJ, who should take the runner up spot.

HIGH GEAR

Anthony Nunes’ bid to overtake Wayne DaCosta at the top of the trainers’ championsh­ip is expected to go into high gear as early as the second race, where he will saddle the highly thought of pair CORAZON (Dick Cardenas) and TRICKY ONE (Shane Ellis) in the 1300 metres Coco Cola Juvenile Sprint for two-year-olds. The Nunes duo will clash with TOP SHELF, who is seeking her third win in four starts.

It appears that TRICKY ONE is more suited to the distance and is the one to beat. CORAZON and TOP SHELF are expected to jostle for the lead before weakening late, allowing TRICKY ONE with the patient Ellis to pull off an easy win.

BEST ADVICE was left with a lot to do after rearing at the gates on October 20 and had to play second fiddle to Resurgent in a 1100 metres maiden event. She still ended up in a fairly good 1:08.1. The filly continues to work very well, and being bred for speed, will not be beaten if coming away cleanly over the same distance tomorrow.

Race Four for non-winners of three over 1300 metres is tailored for David Lee Sin’s SMOKESCREE­N. The five year-old gelding has been knocking at the door for a long time and comes in very light, courtesy of apprentice Romario Spencer’s 4kg claim, to meet tomorrow’s engagement. He did fairly well over a distance short of his best when eighth by 12 lengths to Double Deal going 1100 metres on October 20. With the drop in weight, he should be running on best of all in the final 200 metres tomorrow and can win at a good price.

The handicaps also favour both YOLOVE in the fifth and SILENCE in the final race of the Sunrise-Six.

SUNRISE-SIX SELECTIONS

1. ICTUS

2. TRICKY ONE

3. BEST ADVICE

4. SMOKESCREE­N

5. YOLOVE

6. SILENCE

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