Cassanova Boy to waltz away with LIME Sprint

Although the 90th running of the LIME-sponsored Jamaica Derby is the showpiece event at Caymanas Park tomorrow, there is an interesting supporting feature on the big 13-race programme, the LIME Sprint, which brings together some really big names. Post time is 11:40 a.m.

Offering a total purse of $1.5 million, the 1300-metre grade one race has attracted six starters, including the top-rated sprinter SAINT CECELIA, who is coming off a recent record time run in the Lotto Sprint Trophy on May 29; her old rival, the crack American filly HONEYOFALADY, who beat SAINT CECELIA by a short head in the Lady Geeta Trophy over 1200 metres on April 24, as well as the 2009 Derby winner HE'S REALLY OK, and last but by no means least, the classy American 4-y-o gelding CASSANOVA BOY, who is unbeaten in seven starts.

Truly a race worth going miles to see, with the fleet-footed pair of SAINT CECELIA and MR. SKILL sure to make things pretty hot up front: CASSANOVA BOY and HONEYOFALADY just waiting to pounce as they swing into the straight.

The Spencer Chung-trained four-year-old filly SAINT CECELIA has been a revelation, and the manner of her recent win in the Lotto Sprint under top weight of 60.5kg makes her a tough opponent today. The Burning Marque-She's On Wheels filly looked awesome when winning the Lotto Sprint by 5 ¹/_² lengths from HONEYOFALADY, covering the distance in stakes record time of 1:04.2 with Allen Maragh aboard.

Top weight

SAINT CECELIA (Maragh up) has been allotted top weight of 60.5kg once again, but this should hardly deter her.

Significantly, champion trainer Wayne DaCosta has declared his very speedy five-year-old gelding MR. SKILL in an effort to keep her honest up front, a move that could see SAINT CECELIA playing into the hands of either CASSANOVA BOY or HONEYOFALADY going the additional 200 metres of this race.

All factors considered, the choice must be the DaCosta-trained CASSANOVA BOY (Omar Walker up) who, despite facing his sternest test to date, is definitely one to follow until his colours are lowered.

He has been winning his races in fast time and is not too heavy with 59.0kg to upstage HONEYOFA LADY and SAINT CECELIA in a bid for his fifth win from as many starts this season.

Meanwhile, the LIME Jamaica Derby is scheduled to be run as the 12th race at approximately 5:30 p.m.

- O.C.