'Life' ready to trample rivals

Ainsley Walters, Gleaner Writer

HUMBLED by MARK MY WORD in the 2000 Guineas on April 5, champion trainer Wayne DaCosta's LIFEISJUSFORLIVING returns fitted with a figure-eight for what should be a routine win at six furlongs in today's third race.

However, this is not just another sprint for LIFEISJUSFORLIVING, who is virtually unbeatable by his peers at shorter distances.

With the figure-eight bridle fitted, he will be closely watched by his connections and other contenders for the June 12 Jamaica Derby - especially the camp of 2000 Guineas winner MARK MY WORD.

LIFEISJUSFORLIVING was not asked to do much at exercise in preparation for the Guineas but has been busy on the weekends since, being put through a series of steady gallops by DaCosta, who must be gauging his speedster's stamina after getting beat at a mile by MARK MY WORD.

An easy runaway win for LIFEISJUSFORLIVING who was undefeated in three impressive victories leading up to the Guineas, twice at seven furlongs, would definitely renew his Derby fan club.

The figure-eight bridle, DaCosta figures, will allow champion rider Omar Walker to easily rate LIFEISJUSFORLIVING.

The figure-eight bridle has a noseband that crosses from the top of the cheekbone on one side, over the nose to the chin groove on the other side, under the horse's chin, and back up to the opposite cheekbone.

It is used to remind the horse to keep its mouth closed and prevents him from crossing his jaw, and its design provides more expansion of the nostrils.

LIFEISJUSFORLIVING doesn't need a figure-eight to easily put away his three stablemates - SOCA PARTY, TRIAL LAWYER and CLASSY PROSPECT - with PRINCE THEO being his only serious threat in the six-horse field. FLYING MARGARET is hopelessly outclassed.

Under the microscope

However, it's his manner of victory which will be under the microscope - both by his admirers and rivals - for possibly the 10-furlong Lotto Classic for the Governor's Cup, set for May 25, a lucrative stop en route to the 12-furlong Derby.

DaCosta is also expected to bag the day's 10th event with American-bred FLUFFY, who is gunning for a hat-trick and her fifth win from seven starts in the 1300-metre event.

FLUFFY galloped three furlongs in a ridiculous 33.4 on April 30.

The champion trainer is taking no chances and has summoned lightweight Wesley Henry to partner FLUFFY at 49.0 kilos, bumping his stable rider and champion Walker, who was listed as the rider at the overnight stage.

The rider change and April 30 bullet work are clear signs that FLUFFY has been programmed to stalk and beat the likes of SUGAR'S IMAGE and FOREVER MINE, who looks rather heavy at 55.0 kilos with Doushane Gordon.