KINGSTON, Jamaica - With an increased Diamond Mile purse, there is little wonder that the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) Stakes at the Overnight level has attracted a field of 14 competitive horses.
The BGLC Stakes to be contested over seven furlongs (1,400 metres) today brings together the best horses in this grouping in what is sure to be a major tussle for the winning post.
Below is an assessment of the horses in the race.
JAMAI RAJA: (6-y-o ch g – Market Rally – Angela’s Favorite) – Has been blowing hot and cold in recent times but his last effort over nine furlongs and 25 yards when Jamai Raja led to eventually finish fourth indicates that he will enjoy the shorter seven furlongs of this encounter. Coming from the number one post-position, Jamai Raja is going in front to make a bold bid for victory.
HOVER CRAFT: (9-y-o b g – He’stherealthing – Royal Pizzaz) – Finished third behind stablemate Summer Sun and My Elle Belle coming late in the straight on October 19. Seven furlongs might be short for Hover Craft who will be coming at them in the final part of the race, but his final rattle is not going to be enough to win this stakes race. If Hover Craft wants to win he has to get closer to the pace.
LOTTERY TICKET: (6-y-o b m – Seeking The Glory – Just A Flutter) – Has not won a race in 2019 but with the trip to her liking, Lottery Ticket will be ticking in the final two furlongs and may catch them all. Lottery Ticket’s greatest handicap is being too far behind, which makes her task difficult when she comes a calling at the latter part of her race. She will have to fix this anomaly if she is to win today.
CAMPESINO: (9-y-o b g – Compadre – Yaella) – Was a no-show in the Caribbean Sprint on October 5 and even coming down in class will not assist his situation. Campesino is getting on in years and is not the A Class horse he once was in earlier days. That being said, he cannot be left out of consideration, as any glimpse of his previous form will bring him home without a murmur.
RICKY RICARDO: (4-y-o dkb g – Storm Craft – My Friend Lucy) – Has developed the habit of coming out of the gates slowly and against these at seven furlongs does not have even a reasonable chance of winning. Ricky Ricardo is going to be left behind and by far too.
SERGEANT RECKLESS: (4-y-o dkb f – Storm Craft – Code Star) – Sergeant Reckless has developed steadily during this season and is now returning to a distance much more to her liking. Sergeant Reckless can sit with the leaders before making her presence felt in the latter part of the race. She is fit and has been particularly prepared to give of her best against these. Do not take your eyes off Sergeant Reckless.
EARN YOUR STRIPES: (3-y-o ch c – Nuclear Wayne – Brown Sugar) – Was rather disappointing in the Classic races when much more was expected of him by his connections but in his last race, Earn Your Stripes showed he was returning to some sort of form on October 21 when finishing second just about a length behind Sebastian. The Overnight Allowance category is essentially a non-winners of five calling and with Earn Your Stripes being a winner of three races thus far in his career, he is venturing out of his accepted grade thus making it rather problematic for him to win this one. Yet, if he can realise some of his potential, then he might have a say, especially if he puts his known, early speed to good use when the starter lets them go.
ROYAL AVIATOR: (4-y-o b g – Casual Trick – Royal Victress) – Royal Aviator returned to the winners’ enclosure on October 21 and now takes his chance in Overnight for the first time. He requires time to get the pace of this grouping thereby making winning an almost impossible task for him later today. Has no chance.
ANASO: (4-y-o b g – Distorted – Slim Ting) – Has been getting acquainted with the Overnight Allowance class but is not ready as yet. Anaso is developing nicely and it won’t be long before he finds himself in the winners’ enclosure but not today.
LEGALITY: (3-dkb c – USA Uncaptured – Tracey’s Legacy) – Races for the first time for her new trainer Anthony Nunes with the tongue tie and cheekpieces taken off. Legality has tried his luck twice in Overnight company finishing fourth on both occasions. Legality in coming to grips with his new situation and allowed more time may to provide a winning effort.
MY ELLE BELLE: (4-y-o ch f – Horse Greely – Fast Actress) – Came with a good surge in the final two furlongs over nine furlongs and 25 yards to finish second behind Summer Sun on October 19. My Elle Belle has been fairly consistent in the Overnight category and the door might just open for her in this one. She races today with the tongue tie off and Lasix removed. Let’s wait and see how these changes are going to pan out for My Elle Belle who has a glorious opportunity of earning an extra purse for first place, on offer on raceday one of the Diamond Mile weekend.
SECRET TRAVELLER: (5-y-o b g – Traditional – Sea Traveller) – Started the season in good nick, but has declined rapidly since the middle of the year. Secret Traveller has raced 18 times already and now reunited with his favourite jockey Trevor “Slicer” Simpson might find his way once again. Has an outsider’s chance of placing.
MARQUESAS: (4-y-o b c – Coded Warning – Islamorada) – Marquesas has grappled since being restricted by injuries. Raced last on October 19 after another period of injury and did not catch the eye at any time. Marquesas is a talented horse and if he is close to what he is capable of can make his presence felt but winning is not on the cards.
LICI’S PEPSI: (4-y-o dkb f – Blue Pepsi Lodge – First Choice) – This filly has been struggling to find her true self and that search continues today.
