Subratie holds key to Guineas Classics

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The cream of the native bred three-year-olds in training is slated to contest the 37th running of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, the season's first Classics, at Caymanas Park today.

With purses of $3.6 million each, both Classics are being sponsored jointly for the first time by Sanmerna Paper Products Limited and TWP Realty Company Limited.

The 1000 Guineas is confined to native bred three-year-old fillies and the 2000 Guineas to colts and geldings.

It is interesting to note that both winners of the March 12 Guineas trials - NIPHAL and UNCLE KEN - are present. And even more interesting is the fact that both hail from the stables of in-form trainer Gary Subratie and are slated to be ridden by leading jockey Shane Ellis.

Indeed, Subratie holds a very strong hand with ante-post favourite UNCLE KEN and BIG MAN BOY under Trinidadian champion jockey Brian Harding in the 2000 Guineas, and NIPHAL along with the impressive TREASURE GIRL with Harding up in the 1000 Guineas.

Very positive outlook

Given this embarrassment of riches, Subratie has a very positive outlook on the outcome of both races.

"Based on his facile victory in the Prince Consort Trial Stakes, UNCLE KEN is definitely the horse to beat in the 2000 Guineas," said the second generation trainer.

"That race will have brought him on even better for the Guineas and although he's not the type of horse that needs to be hard trained, he's fit and raring to go. He possesses a tremendous late kick and in the end, I think they will play into his hands," he added.

Subratie also claimed that BIG MAN BOYU - who recently changed owners - having been sold for an undisclosed sum by Kenval Wallace to Trinidadian connections, is perhaps the best prepared horse in the 2000 Guineas field.

He caught the eye in a fast six-furlong gallop (1:14.0) at exercise and the trainer says "he's is coming to run".

Subratie also gave the thumbs up to his two fillies, TREASURE GIRL, and NIPHAL who romped the Thornbird Trial Stakes over 1400 metres on March 12 when running for the first time for the stable.

Prepared to run big races

"Both are prepared to run big races in the 1000 Guineas and while it is hard to pick one over the other, as both have tremendous scope, TREASURE GIRL, who bids for a hat-trick of wins for her Trinidadian owners, has been looking stronger at the end of her gallops and is given the edge, but only just."

My leaning is towards UNCLE KEN in the 2000 Guineas, based on his 31/2-length victory under topweight of 57.0kg in the Prince Consort Stakes over 1400 metres.

UNCLE KEN can expect stiff opposition from BIG MAN BOYU, the Anthony Nunes-trained SARAGOSSA, a front-running bay colt who bids for his fourth consecutive win and will have to be caught, not to mention the Richard Azan-trained pair of ERASMO and THE MESSENGER, who is fast improving.

TREASURE GIRL, with Harding up, is my firm choice to win the 1000 Guineas, but NIPHAL and the lightly raced RIGHT MARKER, an impressive fast-time winner of a three-year-old maiden event over 1500 metres on March 23 for veteran trainer Noel Ennevor, should ensure she is extended.

I also like ROMEZ to repeat in the fifth, MARK TO MARKET (6th), SAN ANTONIO (7th), ZIXX (8th) and DOUBLE THE HONEY (10th).