Mark My Word fit for PM Stakes

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The 2010 Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year, MARK MY WORD, bids for another grade-one success this season when he takes on five opponents in the $1.3 million Prime Minister's Stakes over 2000 metres at Caymanas Park today.

The 10-race holiday card, sponsored by Knightsman Limited security services, also features the $180,000 claiming race for the Knightsman Independence Stakes Trophy over 1600 metres to be contested by a maximum field of 16.

This race should see the down-in-class horses DOLLA WIN, PASSA PASSA and RULE BY SECRECY in a three-cornered tussle for top honours.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Stakes should resolve itself into a straight fight between MARK MY WORD and the lightly weighted SIR VON, now up in class after his runaway win over 1400 metres in open-allowance company on July 23.

Also present is this year's Oaks winner CARIDAD, who finished a remote fourth in the same race won by SIR VON recently. However, CARIDAD, who won the Bigga Oaks over this trip on April 30, will find the distance more suitable and will not be disgraced with 50.0kg and joint leading rider Dick Cardenas in the saddle.

In so far as the top two are concerned, the big question is can MARK MY WORD successfully allow the American colt SIR VON 7.0kg?

It will be interesting to see what unfolds, but MARK MY WORD is such a classy racer that I believe he can defy topweight of 57.0kg over this his pet trip.

Worked well

He is undoubtedly the best distance horse in the country and having worked well in preparation for this trophy, the 4-y-o chestnut colt from the stables of Richard Azan will not go down easily with champion jockey Omar Walker again in the saddle.

The 2010 Superstakes hero has won twice from four starts this season, lifting the Bonnie Blue Flag Trophy at 1820 metres on April 25 and winning the Viceroy Trophy over 1800 metres on June 25 with 59.0kg.

Walker should have the Market Rally - Miss Chestnut offspring going in chase of the front-running SIR VON from a long way out in this small field before his staying prowess kicks in from the final bend.

Stretch duel

I am expecting the class of MARK MY WORD to prevail in his stretch duel with the Wayne DaCosta-trained SIR VON and topline jockey Paul 'Country' Francis.

Other firm fancies on card are DOLLA WIN over RULE BY SECRECY in the closing race, MOJITA JAM in the third, recent winner SULAMANI to complete the hat-trick in the fourth, EXCELLENCE to lead home old rival REGAL SENSATION in the fifth. MY GIRL NALA in the sixth and LIGHTNING IMAGE in the eighth.