Commander Zero to outsprint Forever Mine

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

There being no trophy races at Caymanas Park today, the open allowance sprint moves into the spotlight as the feature race, by virtue of being the most valuable on the 10-race programme. Post time is 1:10 p.m.

With a purse of $786,500, the 1100-metre race has attracted only six starters, but despite the small field, there is good form present.

Included in the line-up are the recent fast-time winner COMMANDER ZERO, to be ridden by champion jockey Omar Walker for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta; stable-companion MR. SKILL, with female apprentice Georgina Sergeon aboard; ROMEZ, who bids for his fourth consecutive win; MACHISMO, who won over the distance in fast-time (1.05.4) on July 3; and of course, FOREVER MINE, who is trekking down from grade-one company.

While FOREVER MINE will be stepping down, the trio of COMMANDER ZERO, MACHISMO and ROMEZ is stepping up to contest what promises to be a pretty hot sprint.

The fleet-footed MR. SKILL will ensure the race is truly run as this five-year-old gelding has seldom, if ever, been led in any race passing the half-mile. The son of Alisios is almost sure to carry the field to the last furlong, and is light enough with 50.0kg to scramble home.

However, with stable jockey Walker sticking to COMMANDER ZERO, it would appear that this sparingly raced five-year-old gelding has a better chance, and the race will more than likely come down to himself and old rival FOREVER MINE, from the stables of Neive Graham.

Last encounter

When both last met over the distance on April 28 in open-allowance company, FOREVER MINE, with five-time champion Trevor Simpson aboard, led home COMMANDER ZERO by 3 1/4 lengths, clocking the smart time of 1:05.3 in the process.

MR. SKILL, who led into the straight that day, weakened into fourth place, seven lengths away.

It will be a similar scenario today, only this time COMMANDER ZERO renews rivalry with FOREVER MINE (Simpson again) on 2.0kg better terms. What is also going for COMMANDER ZERO is the fact that he is sharper for this race and having settled down, gets my preference.

No pushover

FOREVER MINE though, will be no pushover, following his 6 1/2 lengths third to top sprinter SAINT CECELIA in the fast-run (1:04.2) Lotto Sprint over the distance on May 29 in grade-one company.

It should go down to the wire, but COMMANDER ZERO is given the edge this time around.

Other firm fancies on the card are the DaCosta-trained MOMENT OF HOPE (Walker riding) in the opening race over 1100 metres; MISS ROSE to resume winning ways in the second; ALLORA in the fifth; and REDEMPTION SONG to stave off PASSA PASSA in the seventh.