Richard Azan - the Superstakes trainer

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Big-race trainer Richard Azan has won the $5 million Superstakes more times than any other trainer except Philip Feanny, but today will seek to join the Hall of Famer on a table-topping seven wins in the 33rd running of the event.

Azan saddles last year's winner MARK MY WORD in the rich and prestigious invitational race over 2000 metres for native-bred horses, and is upbeat that his classy four-year-old colt can repeat, despite a much-anticipated rematch with the talented three-year-old gelding COMMANDING CHIEF.

Azan's remarkable Superstakes journey began in 1995 when he saddled the Derby winner DORVAL to score a popular victory with the legendary George HoSang aboard.

Achievement

He was to make an indelible mark on the race from 1999 to 2002, thanks to the remarkable winning streak of the outstanding MENUDO, who won four years in a row.

Azan ticked off his sixth win last year, courtesy of Triple Crown winner MARK MY WORD, with favourite rider Dick Cardenas aboard.

Despite his impressive record in the race, Azan sees it as a work in progress and is humbled by the achievement.

In an interview late last year, he noted that he was not only fortunate to train horses of the calibre of MENUDO, DORVAL and MARK MY WORD, but that they have managed to remain sound to impact at the top level.

In so far as today's Superstakes is concerned, Azan sees COMMANDING CHIEF as a live threat, based on recent Rum Fire performances.

"Mark My Word is well and has worked well, so we hope for the best," said the trainer, at the same time conceding that COMMANDING CHIEF is a big danger.

"He's working really well and I believe it will be a nice race," he was quick to add.

But based on the trainer's Superstakes record, it could well be lucky seven today.

Champion jockey Omar Walker is slated to ride MARK MY WORD, replacing Cardenas who is contracted to ride the Derby winner, TECHNOMOTO, for the Anthony 'Baba' Nunes stable.

In addition to his six Superstakes wins, Azan has posted two Derby winners in DORVAL and MARK MY WORD.