Expect a Classy run for feature

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

CLASSY PROSPECT, recent winner of the valuable King's Plate over 1500 metres, should rebound with another win over the same distance in today's open allowance feature for the Fontainbleu Trophy at Caymanas Park.

From the stables of 10-time champion Wayne DaCosta, CLASSY PROSPECT was a decisive post-to-post winner of the King's Plate at this level on February 26, and despite losing his subsequent race to RONRON in grade-one company on March 12, will prove hard to deny, now back among his peers.

CLASSY PROSPECT was far from disgraced behind the impressive American filly RONRON in the Eros Trophy over 1400 metres, actually leading for the first 800 metres before fading into last place, 13 lengths off.

DaCosta not only has CLASSY PROSPECT in good nick for today's encounter, but has recalled the improving 4.0kg claiming apprentice Osive Donegal, who rode him in the King's Plate, to reduce the weight to 53.0kg.

Carrying 56.5kg in the King's Plate, CLASSY PROSPECT held on well in the closing stages to stave off two imported horses, then favourite PRICELESS BEAUTY and BURST OF ENERGY, heads on, by 1¹/⁴ lengths.

The Morris Powell-trained Canadian mare PRICELESS BEAUTY and the American-bred colt BURST OF ENERGY from the stables of leading trainer Gary Subratie are slightly better off at the weights today, and while both are expected to make it close, the fact that CLASSY PROSPECT (working well) represents the speed in the field should tilt the balance in his favour.

Also coming out of the King's Plate to renew rivalry are SKY FORCE (5th), BELOW THE WAIST (6th) and PRIME MINISTER (7th).

The Anthony 'Baba' Nunes-trained imported mare BELOW THE WAIST finished 4¹/² lengths sixth, and if deciding to run one of her better races today, especially over this her favourite trip, could make it close with top apprentice Aaron Chatrie aboard.

supporters

The Philip Feanny-trained RAISE A RUCKUS steps up in class after his good win over 1400 metres in overnight company on March 19, and even with more to do in present company, the American colt will have his supporters.

But it all comes back to the front-running CLASSY PROSPECT, who should dictate the early fractions once again and have enough in reserve to hold PRICELESS BEAUTY and BURST OF ENERGY at bay in deep stretch.

Other firm fancies on the card are REGIONAL CHARMER to stave off SAN ANTONIO in the opening race over the straight-five course, ZIXX in the fourth, BORA BORA to stave off old rival GHOST RAPPER in the fifth, Derby prospect HERMOSO AMIGO in the seventh, and WAR HERO ahead of ATRAILOFTEARS and STORM WATCH in the eighth for maiden three-year-olds.