RACING returns to normal programming with a 10-race card highlighted by a $715,000 Overnight Allowance jaunt going 1,500 metres at Caymanas Park today.

The three-year-olds and upward race that takes the place of a sponsored event has attracted a vibrant field of 11 runners and is set to go to post at approximately 5:00 pm, with first post at 1:00 pm.

The stables of leading trainer Wayne DaCosta leads the charge with three capable runners in New Kingston, Jet Setter and My Friend Lucy. However, the presence of the down-in-grade speedy American-bred colt Uppa Tune, trained by Ian Parsard, and the hat-trick hunting local-bred Timeforarms, conditioned by Fitzroy Glispie, who also part owns the colt, could make the event no simple afternoon stroll for the runners.

Uppa Tune, a four-year-old bay colt by Concorde’s Tune out of Uppa Hughie (Secret Prince) and bred by Kay Dennis & Florida Bloodstock LLC, will head the handicaps ridden by Richard Mitchell.

He will be making his four-year-old debut in good racing shape after a three-month break following two very good performances in the grade above in December of last year where he finished behind El Poderoso going 1,200 metres, and then Sweet Trail, going 1,600 metres.

Just before stepping up in grade Uppa Tune enjoyed imposingly rich form that saw him winning his final two races over today’s distance in very smart times of 1:31.3 and then 1:31.2 before stepping up.

Returning to what could be his happy hunting ground at a distance that he seems to enjoy immensely, and the level of exposure during his short stay above, being well prepared for this could see Uppa Tune returning to Overnight Allowance in the manner in which he left.

Were it as easy for him to win as it is to write this column, winning at the races would have been a piece of cake.

There are so many things that could go wrong in a race that could cause the favourite to bite the dust.

Racing is about timing, seizing the opportunity at the right moment and a smooth passage to execute.

When Uppa Tune steps down he might just find the opposition just as competitive as in Open Allowance, as he will be running against a number of runners who have good form, and having to give weight all round could prove his undoing. It is true that he has already beaten fellow American-bred New Kingston by all of seven lengths in his last victory. At that time both were saddled with 55.0kg. For their return match Uppa Tune will be allowing the ageing New Kingston 4.0kg.

But New Kingston, who is no back number even at seven years old, could seriously turn the tables on his younger opponent, as he, too, is a great exponent of the 1,500-metre trip, and does look as though he is back to good racing form to be quite competitive at 53.0kg.

Jet Setter, the capable in form stablemate of New Kingston to be ridden by five-time champion jockey Trevor Simpson, along with Classic Beau, the mount of Romario Saunders, are the other runners in the line-up with recent Open Allowance competition that should keep the race competitive to the end.

Both Timeforarms, to be ridden by Richard Mairs, and My Friend Lucy, with Dick Cardenas astride, have worked well coming in to the race, but may lack the legs in the closing stages to separate Uppa Tune and New Kingston, with Dane Nelson in the saddle.

Ones To Watch

Race 1 Principe (Shameree Muir)

Race 2 The Grey Gullion (Shane Ellis)

Race 3 Frankenstorm (Shane Ellis)

Race 4 Merovingian Queen (Dane Nelson)

Race 5 Jessie James (Oryane Sewell)

Race 6 Fill’s Fancy (Neville Stephenson)

Race 7 Skipping Cool (Davidan Robinson)

Race 8 Rhea’s Toy Soldier (Dane Nelson)

Race 9 New Kingston (Dane Nelson)

Race 10 Jelani (Romario Saunders)