KINGSTON, Jamaica – The two top-rated horses currently on the track, Toona Ciliata and Nipster meet again this season with the former holding the upper hand.
The two are part of the eight-horse field that will contest this year’s running of the The Viceroy Trophy which will be run over one mile (eight furlongs) at Caymanas Park on Friday, April 23.
Of the eight horses entered one can readily dismiss the chances of two, Roy Rogers and Legality.
Sentient is consistent but, in this race, will be allowing weight to his conqueror Toona Ciliata because of the presence of claiming apprentice Romario Spencer. Sentient although quite consistent will more than likely be outdone by the weight difference and his ever present nemesis.
Nipster ran his first race this year on March 20 when he finished well behind the top three in the order of Toona Ciliata, Sentient, and Crimson. Nipster, the reigning Horse of the Year would have benefitted from that pipe opener, while his preparation at exercise has been encouraging.
When the handicaps for this race were first published both Nipster and Toona Ciliata were listed with the same weight, now the latter is four kilogrammes below, again because of the apprentice claim. It is therefore a difficult task for Nipster to defeat Toona Ciliata in this trophy race.
Oneofakind races in this grouping for the first time having come through the ranks with aplomb. Oneofakind chances have been severe hampered by the handicappers who have assigned him with 53.0 kgs, thus allowing weight to both Crimson and Duke, both of whom have already won in Open Allowance. Horse racing is horse racing and any number can play, yet for Oneofakind to win this one it will take the proverbial miracle based on the weight allotment.
Both Crimson and Duke are from the stables of trainer Gary Subratie and both have shown in recent times an upsurge in their fortunes.
Crimson was defeated by Toona Ciliata at 7 ½ furlongs on March 10 and with little change in the weights, the same result is expected on Friday.
Duke has received a drop in the weights but should come up short against the big horses.
Toona Ciliata is in the pink of form and is looking for his third win from three starts this season.
Without a doubt, Toona Ciliata is the firm choice to become The Viceroy.
