THE DAY of reckoning is here, and leading trainer John O’Brien, who will enter Tuesday’s 2,000-metre NGC CNG Trinidad Derby Stakes with his Hi-5 of runners Prince Zeshan, Pot Of Gold, Chase The Dragon, Headline News and War Of Words, hoping to stop a “Bigman”.

Since the centralisation of horse racing, O’Brien has won four Derbies with Groomsman (1999), Millennium Reign (2002), Sweet Revenge (2007), and Bruceontheloose (2009).

Yesterday at Santa Rosa Park, he spoke with the Express about his five runners, and the opposition.

“All the horses have trained very well”, O’Brien began. “I am happy with everybody. It is a tough race with new contenders that could run a bit.”

Strategy is important in any sport, and while O’Brien realises this, and probably has his tactics set for the Derby, he diplomatically stated: “You have to see how the race develops and that will be the strategy. We have experienced jockeys, and they will know how to adjust as they see fit. What could I tell them?”

However, he has respect for beaten Jamaican-bred Bigman In Town, who made an immediate impact in Trinidad with his runaway 21-length success on August 17 in a fast 1:51 over 1,750 metres at Santa Rosa Park. And “Bigman” could prove the thorn among O’Brien’s five “roses”.

Recognising his talent, O’Brien said: “Bigman In Town was very impressive when he won, and all I am saying is we can’t run away and hide. We have to compete against a horse than can run a bit, but going 10 furlongs is different to 1,750 metres (when he won). He looks like a nice horse, and we have to run good to beat him.”

He continued: “Apart from Bigman In Town, his stablemate Perfect Day is a filly and I cannot see her beating good colts. Looking at her run in the Oaks, she does not look like she wants 10 furlongs.”

Turning his attention to War of Words, O’Brien was upbeat.

Asked which horse in the race could be a possible outsider, O’Brien quipped, “Prince Zeshan!”

THIS IS A REPRINT OF THE ARTICLE FIRST CARRIED IN THE TRINIDAD SUNDAY EXPRESS