KINGSTON, Jamaica - Nipster, the reigning Horse of the Year, after two runs this season, should now be cherry ripe to lead home rivals in the Saint Cecilia Cup feature at Caymanas Park tomorrow, Saturday, May 15, at Caymanas Park. The Saint Cecelia is to be run over 6 ½ furlongs.
Trained by Anthony Nunes, Nipster opened his four-year-old account on March 20 in the Chairman's Trophy and was put in his place, finishing sixth behind stable companion Toona Ciliata over 7 1/2 furlongs (1500m).
The Casual Trick - Nippit offspring’s second attempt was much better as he went downing fighting in the The Viceroy Trophy, losing out by half-length to another stable companion in Oneofakind over one mile (1600m) on April 23.
Following those two runs, Nipster has looked even fitter and better at exercise in the mornings, galloping 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:07.4 on May 9 with 5 furlongs done in 1:01.1. This was done after cantering out of the 9-furlong chute.
This is horse racing and there's are no certainties or sureties in this endeavour as the likes of Sir Alton, Eroy, Father Patrick and Sentient are all capable runners that can take down the favourite.
On paper, Sir Alton looks the likely one to provide the main challenge to Nipster. The talented American-bred colt clocked 58.2 down the straight on his seasonal debut on April 19. He is comfortable on the round course and although stepping up to compete here, Sir Alton will report in good nick and a brave race is anticipated from him here.
The Quick Galloper’s order of finish - Nipster, Sir Alton, Sentient, Eroy, Father Patrick.
