Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
Leading jockey Brian Harding aboard 5-2 chance CHING SING (inside) is about to catch and beat champion jockey Trevor Simpson aboard the favourite ROYAL KINGDOM in the seventh race over 1500 metres at Caymanas Park on December 14, 2005. Only a nose separated them at the finish. Royal Kingdom is favourite for today's feature. - Carlington Wilmot/Freelance Photographer
RACE NO. 4 in the second CTL Claiming series ($210,000 and less) over 1800 metres is on at Caymanas Park today, the event attracting eight starters, including ROYAL KINGDOM and MEDICAL ACCOUNT.
Both should carry the bulk of the betting and it should be interesting to see which one is installed favourite. The consistent ROYAL KINGDOM will have the services of title-chasing jockey Trevor Simpson and this is a plus in his favour. ROYAL KINGDOM advertised his well-being when finishing a close third (closing) to COCK ROBIN over 1400 metres when last raced on October 6 and, if anything, will relish the additional 400 metres.
The five-year-old gelding from the stables of Patrick Lynch scored his only win of the season on September 12 when leading home subsequent winner WEE GLITZ by 3 1/2 lengths over 1600 metres.
Good condition
Although having to carry his fair share of weight (56kg) in the eight-strong field, ROYAL KINGDOM will not be perturbed. The race should be run to suit his come-from-behind style and will more than likely come back to him in mid-stretch. Having looked in good condition at exercise, his final rattle should prove hard to withstand. Although catching my fancy, ROYAL KINGDOM can expect stiff opposition from the recent winner ALLEGRO with leading jockey Omar Walker again in the saddle, as well as FRANKIE MOREFIRE, the three-year-old filly HEART'S CRY and, of course, MEDICAL ACCOUNT who scored easily over 1600 metres on a $260,000 claiming tag on October 3.
Gown in class
Judging from the manner of his victory in that race, MEDICAL ACCOUNT, now dropped in class, must be a dangerous animal today. The seven-year-old gelding from the stables of Donovan Bruce has already won three races this season and is not too high in the scales with 56kg and competent Devon A. Thomas in the saddle to fight it out.
I am also expecting a big run from FRANKIE MOREFIRE, who clearly has the ability to win a race of this nature once truly focused.
The five-year-old gelding looks leniently treated with 52kg inclusive of apprentice Harriston Lewis' 2kg claiming allowance and having worked fairly well last Wednesday morning, is coming to run. ROYAL KINGDOM, however, catches my fancy ahead of MEDICAL ACCOUNT and FRANKIE MOREFIRE. Other firm fancies on the card are SHUTTLE to whip her five opponents in the second race, YAMASHITA'S GOLD to catch ADINA in the sixth. SHE'S THE WIND to release the maiden certificate ahead of JUST A CAT in the eighth and KING JOSIAH over FROMRUSSIAWITHLOVE and THE MAGICIAN in the ninth race for bottom of the barrel claimers.
