Tough call in Division 2 of Hubert Bartley Memorial Trophy
A field of runners is down to battle for top honours in Division Two of the $1.25-million Hubert “Chinna” Bartley Memorial Cup, an Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over seven furlongs.
Below, the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a look at each runner and their chances of winning.
1. FRED THE GREAT (USA): (4 b c by Adios Charlie – Joyance) – Came off the pace to finish second by three lengths behind Joy Is Golden in 58.4 seconds over the five-straight course on June 2.
Fred The Great closed well in his last race and should appreciate the longer distance, making him a strong contender for top honours.
2. CHAMPION BUBBLER (USA): (5 b m by Tapiture – Countess Clare) – Has raced five times this season without a win. Her best effort was a second-place finish, a neck behind Volatility over the five-straight course on March 24. Champion Bubbler gets her preferred distance here and is expected to be a contender.
3. POSING ALREADY: (5 b h by Northern Giant – Geisha’s Glory) – Should not be a threat here. Note: Figure eight is off.
4. STORM: (9 b g by Natural Selection – All For Pleasure) – No stormy weather forecast for this one; expectations are for a calm and steady effort.
5. SUNSET SILHOUTTE: (5 b m by Northern Giant – Ahwhofah) – Has been running some useful races of late.
Sunset Silhoutte was just 2¼ lengths behind in third place, after
Justin Biden and Stomp The Rhythm, over nine furlongs on May 11. Expect another good effort from her for this one.
6. ALL FOR LOVE: (4 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Princess Sallema) – Finished in sixth position by 7¼ lengths behind Inspire Force at 5½ furlongs on May 25. All For Love is expected do much better here.
7. BIG ARGUMENT: (6 ch m by Nasheet – Idont’know) – Time to keep quiet; this one’s argument won’t be heard.
8. CURLIN’S FLIGHT: (6 dkb g by Perfect Curlin – City Flight) – Has no winning chance here.
9. PROVOCATIVA (USA): (5 dkb/brm by Protonico – Audacious) – Won her second race on local soil when defeating rivals over 7½ furlongs on June 1. Despite the win being in a claiming group, Provocativa’s speed and performance suggest she could be a contender here.