KINGSTON, Jamaica - The 2024 Liu Chi Poo Trophy, a prestigious Overnight Allowance race at one mile, is set to thrill fans as the seventh race on Saturday, June 8.
This year's edition has attracted a competitive field of eight starters, each with their strengths and weaknesses analysed below in gate order.
1 - NEO STAR takes a welcome drop in class after testing himself against stakes-calibre runners like Is That A Fact and Atomica. Encouraging morning reports suggest Neo Star has regained his footing, moving smoothly and confidently in preparation for this trophy event. His previous form at this level demands respect, making him a legitimate contender.
2 - STOMP THE RHYTHM is a rapidly gaining experience and maturity at the Overnight Allowance level. While he's made strides forward, the competition in this year's Liu Chi Poo may prove challenging for him to handle.
3 - DIGITAL ONE was nothing short of brilliant in her two-year-old season, winning all three starts. However, in her 2024 debut on May 5, she was handed a reality check by Wall Street Trader and the veteran Duke. It was clear that Digital One wasn't fully wound up for that effort. After a 34-day freshening, reports from the training track suggest she's rediscovered her mojo, earning her the edge in this race. Note that Digital One will race sans visor, a potential equipment change to monitor.
4 - POSITIVE ONE has been mired in a form slump, failing to show anything of significance in recent outings. Compounding his issues is the habit of breaking slowly from the gates, a trait that could prove costly in a competitive race like this.
5 - JOHNCROWJEFF faces an uphill battle and may find himself struggling to keep pace with his rivals. His connections have applied cheekpieces in an attempt to sharpen his focus.
6 - EASY AS A.B.C. has battled back to racing health after a long rehabilitation period and was finally able to find success on local soil. He now takes a timely step up to Overnight Allowance company in good order. His prior overseas form, which includes two victories, makes this foreign invader an intriguing player in the Liu Chi Poo.
7 - SISTREN TREASURE signalled a well-timed return to competitive form with a rallying second-place finish behind Get A Pepsi on May 23. Her affinity for the one-mile trip and recaptured sharpness makes her a threat in this spot.
8 - D HEAD CORNERSTONE has just returned to action on May 23 after a lengthy break. While it's great to see him back at the races, he'll likely need this run to regain match fitness.
