Afternoon stroll for Ronron

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The outstanding American filly, RONRON, who is unbeaten in four starts this season, goes for her 10th win from her last 11 starts when she takes on five opponents in the $1.1-million Eileen Cliggott Trophy graded stakes feature over 1300 metres at Caymanas Park today.

Significantly, RONRON, the island's top-rated horse, will be racing for the first time since her change of stables some three weeks ago, following a rift between her previous trainer Gary Subratie and owner Kenval Wallace. She was transferred to the stables of champion and leading trainer Wayne DaCosta.

RONRON has made a smooth transition to her new yard, DaCosta having taken her to task at exercise in preparation for this trophy. She really caught the eye at exercise two Saturdays ago, galloping 5¹/² furlongs in a brisk 1:05.0 - the last five in an eye-popping 58.3.

With her preparation complete, RONRON should take up where she left off on May 21 when storming through under leading jockey Shane Ellis to win the Lotto Sprint Trophy over 1100 metres, ahead of DOUBLE THE HONEY and the reigning champion sprinter SAINT CECELIA.

She shoulders customary topweight of 60.5kg and Ellis again in the saddle, but is so classy that she is confidently expected to take care of main rival, the progressive American filly DANCE SO SWEET, her former stable-companion.

Subratie will be coming with blood in his eyes to lower the colours of his one-time stable star RONRON, and DANCE SO SWEET will no doubt give it her best shot based on her close second to the brilliant American colt MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE over this trip on June 11.

nasatol seeks record

With only 51.0kg and title-chasing jockey Dick Cardenas aboard, DANCE SO SWEET will use her speed to best advantage in a bid to make all. But I fear RONRON will prove too strong for her in mid-stretch, but the 4-3 exacta looks safe.

Meanwhile, the remarkable 10-year-old grey gelding, NASATOL is on the threshold of racing history today when he contests the opening race for high claimers over 1100 metres.

NASATOL, who recently equalled MASTER BLASTER's all-time record of 34 career wins established in 2001, bids to become the sole holder of the record, despite facing stiff competition from top contenders ROMEZ and SOCA PARTY in a seven-strong field.

NASATOL, who bids for his fourth consecutive win, is down to be ridden by Paul 'Country' Francis for trainer Cashbert Khwalsingh.

Firm fancies on the card are KIPLING WEEKEND in the two-year-old race, WILLINSTON in the fourth, TRICKY TRAIN in the fifth, LONG PROCESS in the sixth and GWENNIETHEBUTCHER in the closing Alex's Imports 'Dig Out' Handicap.