One of the largest crowds is expected on Monday at Santa Rosa Park, Arima for the National Gas Company (NGC) race day which will feature two main events. Top billing goes to the Blue Riband event, the grade one CNG Derby over 2,000 metres while the other is the grade two High Propulsion Diamond Stakes over 1,350 metres. The NGC has invested some $500,000 into the features, where the main attraction will see the John O'Brien-trained Onetokeep locking horns with Free Passage, Big Thing and The Big Squeeze, in what will be a very competitive derby. The grade two event is certainly expected to be one of the best editions of the contest ever to be witnessed at the centralised venue. O'Brien has a three-pronged attack headed by thrice "Horse of the Year" Bruceontheloose, he also saddles the new sprinting sensation Ignition Coil and the improving King Whistler which goes lightest in the nine-horse field.
Arch rival and friend Glenn Mendez also has three entered in the event and Stewards Cup hero Signal Alert heads the charge with Readbetweendlines and Boogie Blues, champion imported stayer and Gold Cup winner. The Jose William-Samaroo-trained Gold Cup and Independence Cup runner-up Montejo is in the line-up and if the pace is a torrid one, could upset them all in the $150,000 purse event. Today, I will assess the Diamond Stakes which is as tricky and competitive as they come. Firstly, I think the race revolves around six horses which include Bruceontheloose, Ignition Coil, Readbetweendlines, Signal Alert and Montejo. Bruceontheloose is a class act and must be hard to beat even though he will be racing with level weights against Signal Alert and Readbetweendlines. Normally, "Bruce" as he is fondly called is always in receipt of three kilos but does not get that concession on Monday. He is the horse that they will all have to beat and he is well drawn for rider, Nobel Abrego. He is expected to repeat last year's success and Abrego is very confident. Owners, the Tres Amigos, have retained Abrego instead of changing rider and this is a good thing for Bruceontheloose. The O'Brien-trained inmate is at concert pitch.
Stablemate Ignition Coil has been galloping impressively and his performances this year clearly underline the fact that he is a thoroughbred with immense potential. After watching him win earlier this season there were many who said that the Stewards Cup was over. This could be the day that Ignition Coil glitters and with his trainer knowing how to win the big ones and in receipt of three kilos from Bruceontheloose, he could turn the tables on his illustrious stablemate. However, he is not well drawn in stall one and that could be detrimental to his chance. Signal Alert must have an outstanding chance on his best form but he still has something to prove over the trip. He won the Stewards Cup when battling for the top spot but he has never shown that he really loves the trip. At his best, he must be respected and with Shane Ellis in good form, he must go close. The one that can take this all is the Readbetweendlines. This is a really versatile and talented horse.
Last time out, he was pulled out from an event when he had a minor mishap with the farrier but has since bounced back with two great "bullet" gallops. This one can beat the best and with Cornelio Valasquez in the saddle could take this prize in Junior Sammy colours. Of the others, only Boogie Blues and Montejo make appeal. But they will need a very strong gallop to come bearing down at the pacesetter at the end. Samaroo has Montejo "ticking over," while Boogie Blues will appreciate a fast pace. Montejo will have the strong handling of Espinosa while the talented Wilmer Galviz will be aboard Boogie Blues. This race will all boil down to the tactic employed on the day, as there is certain to be a very fast pace with the two Harold Chadee horses, El Bandido De Oro and Smart American engaged. My hunch is that Bruceontheloose will be beaten but should the race be run at a true gallop, I think Readbetweendlines could continue Mendez' winning spree.
