KINGSTON, Jamaica - The excitement builds for the racing community as Caymanas Park is set to host the highlight of this weekend's nine-race card on Saturday, February 17, 2024: the five-furlong straight Reggae Month Trophy.
Seven seasoned horses in the Open Allowance category for three-year-olds and upwards are primed to compete for the title.
Here's a closer look at the contenders by The Quick Galloper:
1 - PRESS CONFERENCE has done his connections proud by reaching Open Allowance status. He comes into the race with a streak of consistent performances, yet he's expected to find his triumph in a future race rather than this one.
2 - MADELYN’S SUNSHINE, who came in a commendable second at six furlongs on January 13, is back at a slightly shorter distance that may suit her better. Despite a minor weight advantage over Desert of Malibu, her chances of turning the tables appear marginal.
3 - SENSATIONAL MOVE has earned his spot in Open Allowance but seems to be in the shadow of his more acclaimed stablemate, Desert of Malibu.
4 - DESERT OF MALIBU has quickly become one of the top three horses currently racing at Caymanas Park with just six starts. Despite her unruly start in the last race, she managed to recover and dominate the straight. She's the one to beat, demanding an extraordinary effort from the field to challenge her winning stride.
5 - YELLOWSTONE comes off a win in the grade below, Overnight Allowance, showing a strong affinity for the five-furlong course. Up against formidable competition, he will need to execute a perfect race to emerge victorious, especially since he will be running without a visor.
6 - A GIFT FROM BEN, while fond of the straight course, is anticipated to face a tough challenge against this line-up and may need to bide his time for a win.
7 - EMPEROROFTHECATS is another horse who enjoys the straight track and has been improving markedly. Given his upward trajectory and favourable outside draw, he is a solid bet for the exacta, with Desert of Malibu predicted to take the lead.
As the race approaches, the anticipation is palpable, with Desert of Malibu leading the pack in terms of expectations. Yet, in the world of horse racing, any contender could surprise on the day and take home the Reggae Month Trophy.
