March 23, 2008 — Once again, TRAXCO has put together an impressive card for the Easter Sunday races at the Randall “Doc” James racetrack.
Three races stand out on the card. In the fifth race, five of St. Croix’s top mares and fillies go up against one of St. Thomas top mares, Maridi (113), in a one mile encounter. There has been much talk about this mare leading up to this race and fans are eager to see if she is the real deal.
The home turf will be defended by Trick Hunter (115), Wild Wind (113), Juquetona(115), Honor the Queen(113), and Eltish Mota (113).
A full gate will contest the seven furlongs, race six, but all eyes will be on the top two natives in the Virgin Islands, Fantastic Four (115) and Guavaberry Star (112), who will be taking on some tough imports. There could be a race within this race, however, as these two will try to settle once and for all who is the top native in the territory.
In the last two match-ups Guavaberry Star refused to enter the starting gates and Fantastic Four came away with easy victories in those races. Will she load on Sunday? No one knows, but the fans are hoping because they would dearly love to see these two go around the track.
Their toughest competition from the imports should come from Caribbean Colony (112), who many are picking to win the race as a whole. Rounding out the field will be Diligence Girl (112), Family Deelite (115), Honour Bonus (115), Mysterious Flyer (115) and Villa Oro (115).
The Myron Johannes Classic, the eight-race on the card contested at a distance of one mile, will feature some of the top thoroughbreds in the territory. The three favorites in the seven horse field will undoubtedly be St. Thomas’ Valid Respect (118), and St. Croix’s Carson Secrets (118) and Gallego (118).
Valid Respect has been at the top of his game in recent races and he recently beat former Virgin Islands champ Kentucky Kris in their last matchup. Carson Secrets, the little engine that could, is also at the top of his game and has turned in some impressive victories in his last few outings to claim the top thoroughbred honors on St. Croix. The late-running Gallego should also be in the mix.
Black Jack Bob (113), who is still working his way back to the top of the thoroughbreds’ ladder, could spring a surprise if he continues to move forward. He won his last outing and if he is anything like the old Black Jack, this field could be in trouble. Zirito (113) is another who could surprise here. He is coming off of an injury and will be looking to regain that winning form. Speedsters Strong Passer (115) and Crafty Smile (115) will be looking to steal the race from the front.
The Rest of the days Card:
Race1 Class H 4 F $1500
1. Rob-De-Man 113
2. Pull the Trigger 113
3. High Times 113
4. Fifty Cent 116
5. Sativa (Debut) 114
6. Emerald Princess 113
7. Rehena 112
8. Every Dollar Count 114
A/E. Seabiscuite 120
Race 2 Class G 4 ½ F $3000
1. Them Ah talk (Debut) 115
2. Mario Candelario 115
3. Emerald Star 114
4. Top Shelf (Debut) 113
5. Tenacity (Debut) 115
Race 3 Class E 7F $3300
1. Fightforyourrights 117
2. Kind David 117
3. Top Ranking 117
4. Eagle Feather 117
5. Beautiful Chelsey 113
7. Quelbe Queen 113
8. No fighting Chance 117
Race 5 Olaf Hendricks 7 ½ F $3500
1. Sazaren Blade 114
1. Marfin Express 116
2. Amazing Cat 114
4. Cat Hunter 112
5. Tulsa boy 116
6. El Rollo 114
Race 7 Class C 7 ½ F $3700
1. My Dream Team 116
2. PR General 116
3. Formally Cat 116
4. Danzig Mon 116
5. Gallant Fighter 116
6. All The King Gems 116
Race9 Class F2 7F $3100
1. Little Tahiem 116
1A. Tristich 113
2. Heavenly Brass 116
3. Fantasia 111
4. Al-Abjar 116
5. Precious Gold 113
