California Crown seeks second win in Trevor ‘Slicer’ Simpson Trophy feature
Five-time Jamaican champion jockey and record holder for the most wins in a single racing season at Caymanas Park Trevor “Slicer” Simpson will be celebrated on tomorrow’s nine-card event with a trophy race being run in his name.
The $1.25-million Trevor “Slicer” Simpson OD Trophy is an Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward going 5 furlongs (1,000m) on the round course. The race has attracted a field of 13 runners and sees the return of the talent California Crown from the barn of champion trainer Jason DaCosta.
Below, the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a closer look at each runner and their chances of winning.
1. MADELYN’S SUNSHINE (USA): (6 dk b/br m by Joe’s Son Joey – Madelyn’s Finest) – Has been a source of disappointment in recent times, failing to live up to expectations. Madelyn’s Sunshine has gone winless in her two starts this season so far, and unfortunately, she is expected to continue to struggle to find form here.
2. FREEDOM STREET: (6 b g by Uncaptured – Nofashionsense) – Has proven to be too costly to follow these days, with inconsistent performances making him a risky bet. However, Freedom Street can still run well enough to hit the board, making him a possible contender for a minor placing.
3. KEM: (5 ch h by Here Comes Ben – Lost Springs) – Did extremely well to reach this level, considering his humble beginnings. Unfortunately, Kem is going to be left behind here, as he faces much tougher opponents.
4. BURLAP: (5 b h by Casual Trick – Fedora) – Ran a brave race on his last start to finish third by 5 ¼ lengths over the straight on December 15. Burlap is expected to run well once again, building on his previous performance.
5. MRS LYNDHURST: (5 ch m Soul Warrior – Lady Tarkari) – Saves her best effort for the straight course. However, going around the bend, Mrs Lyndhurst should make her presence felt.
6. CALIFORNIA CROWN: (4 ch c by Hedge Fund – Big Dream) – On paper, California Crown appears to be the horse to beat. He made a successful seasonal debut in the St Catherine Cup on January 4, winning by 7 ½ lengths over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m) in a quick 1:05.4. California Crown is working well for this race and is expected to win again.
7. A GIFT FROM BEN: (ch m by Here Comes Ben – Sage’s Gift Box) – Returns to competitive racing after a 104-day break. A Gift From Ben will likely need the run to regain fitness.
8. MUDSHAFT (USA): (6 b m by Mineshaft – Taterbug) – Finished second by 1 ¼ lengths behind
Benson on January 18 over 6 furlongs (1,200m). Mudshaft could potentially fill the exacta spot here.
9. COMMANDER Z (USA): (4 ch c by Khozan – Wontoo) – While capable on his day, Commander Z is not expected to be among the leading contenders in this race.
10. LADY ABHIMALA: (5 ch m by Legal Process – Lady Abhijita) – Although she won on her last start, Lady Abhimala faces a daunting task in repeating that performance.
11. JOY IS GOLDEN (USA): (5 b m by Goldencents – Sylvan Light) – A consistent performer who has been doing well in her recent races. Joy Is Golden is expected to run a very good race here.
12. SENSATIONAL MOVE: (5 ch h by Sensational Slam – Money Move) – Impressed with a 5 ¼-length win in 1:06.3 for 5 ½ furlongs on January 4. However, that victory came against high claimers, and now stepping up in class, Sensational Move will need to improve to contend for the top spot.
13. TALONA (USA): (6 dk b m by Bayern – To My Delight) – Unfortunately, Talona has no realistic chance of winning this race.