ALLEGIANCE, a 6-1 outsider, capitalised on inexperienced EL RAPIDO blowing the turn, cancelling what appeared an unassailable lead in last Saturday's second race, crashing an otherwise perfect Reggae 6 spend of $1,080. A comfortable winner on debut at five furlongs straight, imported EL RAPIDO left the gate like a 1-5 favourite should but lost all gains approaching the home turn, leaving the event for ALLEGIANCE to crash the party. Whereas last Saturday's best was closed by a banker, PRINCESS IFIYAH, a bold move is being used this week to start with BEAUTIFUL BRAN as a nap selection in the opener at three and a half furlongs.
Caught by GALWAY BAY at four furlongs straight in her last outing, BEAUTIFUL BRAN returns lighter at the shorter trip, having most of her rivals behind when outfinished by GAWAY BAY. It is always a risky proposition to nap $180,000 claimers but BEAUTIFUL BRAN is one of the youngest and quickest in the 13-horse field with her fitness not being in doubt. ADENOSINE is quick but a short runner, who needs a back-up, DANCING WITH A CAT, in the second event.
The third at five furlongs round should not be taken lightly with first-time foreigners and experienced local-breds in the mix. The fourth event could also be a tricky affair involving runners such as BATON ROUGE who possess back class and could put in a big run to upstage STORM A COME. The fifth should also be approached with caution, a $400,000 optional-claiming event in which runners such as STICKYDON co.