Ronron hard to beat

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Going places RONRON bids for her fourth consecutive win in the 15th running of the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Stakes Trophy (grade II) at Caymanas Park today and this progressive American filly should extend her streak in the valuable open allowance sprint.

Trained by Gary Subratie, RONRON is potentially one of the best horses in training and following her fast-time runaway wins between April 21 and May 29 is clearly destined for the top.

To date, RONRON has won four races from six starts, her two defeats coming against the unbeaten American filly, DOUBLETHEHONEY, from the stables of reigning champion Wayne DaCosta, both behind fast times.

But RONRON has really come into her own with a hat-trick of wins, the most recent when slamming overnight allowance horses at 1400 metres, covering the distance in a fast 1:24.2.

Prior to that on May 12, she strolled home by 10 lengths over 1600 metres in the smart time of 1:37.0, with customary rider Paul Francis aboard.

No jockey knows RONRON like 'Country' Francis, having partnered her in all of her races.

Trainer Subratie, who also saddles the consistent American horse SHANGHAI PASS, has a very high opinion of RONRON, claiming she's the best horse he has ever trained.

"I am bringing her back to six furlongs to see if she can sprint, remembering that both her losses have been over sprint distances.

"Although up in class and against tougher opposition, I think she is something special and feel confident that she'll win at these handicaps, even though I expect my other starter, SHANGHAI PASS, to give her a good run."

Of her six opponents, SHANGHAI PASS, who 13 months ago won the Chairman's Trophy over 1500 metres in grade-one company, beating the reigning 'Horse of the Year' ALSAFRA, has looked sharp in his preparation and should make it a Subratie exacta.

Meanwhile, SKITTLE QUEEN, who chased home RONRON in that fast-run 1400-metre race on May 29, looks the one to beat in the annual renewal of the Reynold 'Ren' Gonzalves Memorial Cup (overnight allowance), to be contested by 11 horses over 2000 metres. Champion jockey Omar Walker will ride the American filly for DaCosta.

Her main dangers are the two-turn specialist, PRIME MINISTER, and ENGLISH STORM who seems on the rebound.

Other firm fancies on the well-supported 11-race programme are SAPPHIRE (working well) to catch LORD ADMIRAL and BULLET LINE in the opening race over 1200 metres; MISS OLD HARBOUR in the second; MISS ROSE over DUST ROCK in the third; BELOW THE WAIST to repeat in the fifth; down in class BABY JAZZ in the seventh; and J.R.'S DREAM to catch the speedy FACE TRACKER in the ninth for maiden three-year-olds.