Fluffy for PM Stakes

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The progressive Ameri-can filly FLUFFY should notch her fifth consecutive victory at Caymanas Park today when she takes on four opponents in the $1.3 million Prime Minister's Stakes for three-year-olds and up over 2000 metres.

Among her rivals is the Patrick Smellie-owned and trained HE'S REALLY OK, who won this race last year.

HE'S REALLY OK, who also won the Derby and Lotto classic (Governor's Cup) in 2009, has struggled in his races since winning the Legal Light Trophy on February 27 and, coming into this race lightly trained, the four-year-old grey gelding cannot get a vote of confidence.

FLUFFY, to be ridden by champion jockey Omar Walker for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta, has been a revelation this season, having won six times from seven starts so far. As a result of her appealing form, FLUFFY is expected to start firm favourite, despite joint topweight of 57.0kg.

Still, she faces what amounts to her sternest test to date against seasoned campaigners such as MINISTEROFJUSTICE, the consistent American horse SHANGHAI PASS and two-turn specialist GO MY ROBIN.

MINISTEROFJUSTICE has run some big races in defeat against the likes of the unbeaten CASSA-NOVA BOY and HONEYOF-ALADY and, although yet to win going this far, possesses strong pace and should make his presence felt.

The Gary Subratie-trained SHANGHAI PASS doesn't know how to run a bad race, but is something of a 'bridesmaid' and will more than likely find one too good once again.

That leaves FLUFFY and stretch-running GO MY ROBIN, the two horses who have won more races than any of the others this season - FLUFFY (six) and GO MY ROBIN (three).

late kick

If FLUFFY is hassled for too long by the free-running horses, MINISTEROFJUSTICE and SHANGHAI PASS, GO MY ROBIN could kick late and possibly get there in time.

GO MY ROBIN won the grade one Bonnie Blue Flag Trophy over 1820 metres back on May 15, and it is not beyond him to carry the fight in the closing stages with 52.0kg.

Having said that, it all comes back to FLUFFY, who will be gunning to continue the dominance of the imported horses in recent months.

The Chelsey Cat filly has worked brilliantly in preparation for the race, galloping six furlongs in an eye-popping 1:12.4 Sunday morning. She obviously has tremendous scope and, although facing a stiff challenge with 57.0kg, ought to be followed in present frame of mind.

I also like the down-in-class RUN SMILE RUN to stave off MISS ATLANTIC STAR in the Independence Day Stakes Trophy (claiming $180,000) over 1600 metres in which 10 will run; SAPPHIRE to go one better in the second, LATIN KING to complete the hat-trick in the fourth, PRINCE THEO to beat JAYLEN in the sixth and MAZDA POWER over KAMEEL in the nightpan.