Nigel Nunes Cup presents an Open Allowance cracker
THE Nigel Nunes Memorial Cup run, held in honour of the late champion trainer, provides the quality on the 11-race card down for competition on Heroes’ Day (Monday, October 15, 2018) at Caymanas Park.
The race is over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820 metres) for horses in the Open Allowance grade.
Here is an assessment of the nine starters as they line up in thier starting stalls.
BIGDADDYKOOL: (5.b.g Sorrentino – Beware Baby) — Has not raced in 107 days due to injury setbacks. It has been a long time since Bigdaddykool has run at this level, and even with his time out of competitive racing and with the blinkers off, he is still better than these. The one draw might pose an issue, but if he is fit and ready, Bigdaddykool is going to be saddled as the winner.
MARQUESAS: (3.b.c Coded Warning – Islamorada) — Ran a quality race the first time of asking in Open Allowance when just beaten by his peer Fayrouz. Marquesas represents the future but, again, should play second fiddle, this time to the accomplished Bigdaddykool. Shane Ellis is back in the saddle, which is a plus.
UNCLE FRANK: (4.dkb. g Storm Craft – Dusty Milly) –—Ran well against Fayrouz and Marquesas on last but should again falter.
SUPERLUMINAL: (6.b.h Natural Selection – Thousand Hills) — Ran gamely in the Governor General’s Stakes on September 22. Superluminal again faces Dysfunctional, this time around two turns, which should be in Superluminal’s favour. Another capital effort is expected.
LIGHTNING LILY: (4.b.f Storm Craft – Rhythm Of My Heart) — Tried her best against Fayrouz, Marquesas and Uncle Frank when she last raced and should again fall short.
TARANTINO: (6.b.g Film Director – Seemelater) — Still to find his way in Open Allowance.
DYSFUNCTIONAL: (5.b.g He’stherealthing – Luscious) — Ran a blinder when beaten by stable companion Perfect Neighbour in the GG Stakes on September 22. Dysfunctional has been quietly creeping up the ranks and with the two turns of this race to his liking, he has a real chance of winning.
DONTAE: (4.b.c Fearless Vision – Eighteen Karat) — A winner on last in the class below, Overnight Allowance, Dontae will have to come really revved up to win here.
HOVER CRAFT: (8.b.g Heistherealthing – Royal Pizzaz) — Too late always seems to be always the cry of Hover Craft and so it will be tomorrow.