Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

Distinctly Irish, Miracle Man and Rum talk -file photos

SUPERDAY is here! Today's mammoth 13-race programme at Caymanas Park features three major sponsored races, including the $4.5 million MegaFone Superstakes, a grade one invitational race for three-year-olds and up over 2000 metres.

Sponsored by MegaFone for the first time, the programme also features the $2 million MegaFone Caribbean Sprint over 1200 metres in which 13 starters have been declared and the $1.5 million MegaFone Mile to be contested by 12 imported horses.

The card, which will see all races being sponsored by MegaFone, also includes the $1 million MegaFone Juvenile Sprint over 1300 metres for native-bred two-year-olds.

Apart from the meet's showpiece event, the 29th running of the Superstakes, the MegaFone infield tent for specially invited guests (Mardi Gras style) will be activated today along with the popular Kiddies Stables.

There is also a MegaFone after-race party at the track featuring Tony Rebel, Richie Spice, Cherine Anderson and QQ, among others, with the annual TOBA Yearling Sale and barbecue slated for tomorrow morning in the official car park at Caymanas.

BIG CLASH

The Superstakes will feature a big clash between the 2004 winner DISTINCTLY IRISH with customary rider, leading all-time jockey Winston Griffiths, and the reigning Horse of the Year, MIRACLE MAN, who won it in 2005 and 2006 when having DISTINCTLY IRISH behind in second on both occasions.

Last year's winning rider, Florida-based Jamaican jockey Allen 'Bungo John' Maragh, is once again slated to ride MIRACLE MAN for the legendary Hall of Fame trainer Allan 'Billy' Williams and popular owner Joseph 'Fudgie' Duany.

The big two can expect stiff opposition from the late kicking 3-year-old colt RUM TALK, winner of the valuable Governor General's Stakes over the distance on October 15 (Heroes Day) when having MIRACLE MAN close up in third behind.

DISTINCTLY IRISH, who beat MIRACLE MAN into third place when they last met over the distance in the Prime Minister's Stakes on August 6, has been burning up the track at exercise in preparation for this race, galloping seven furlongs in an eye-popping 1:25.0 on Sunday morning, the last six in a brisk 1:11.4.

genuine pace

Having looked the part at exercise and the race expected to suit his powerful come- from-behind style with the likes of Derby winner THE BOMBER (Andrew Ramgeet), MAJOR MAYER and MIRACLE MAN coming to ensure a genuine pace, DISTINCTLY IRISH catches my fancy.

From the stables of 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny, the 2004 Horse of the Year has never been better, having won three of his last four races to be a leading contender for Horse of the Year honours.

Last time out, DISTINCTLY IRISH, toting the crushing impost of 60.5kg, failed by 1-1/4 lengths to catch the front-running filly LA REINA over 1800 metres in the fast-run Viceroy Trophy, but runs with less weight today.

Despite the sound claims of arch-rival MIRACLE MAN, who had been sidelined for the first seven months of the season following a leg operation, and to a lesser extent the Feanny-trained St. Leger winner RUM TALK, who has won twice over the distance in recent months, DISTINCTLY IRISH has never been better and is a firm fancy to win today.

MIRACLE MAN, who did Jamaica proud last December with an historic victory in the US$100,000 Confraternity Classic in Puerto Rico, is not as invincible as he was last season and has managed only one win from three starts.

main challenge

However, he lost nothing in defeat against RUM TALK in the recent Governor General's Stakes and looks the principal danger to DISTINCTLY IRISH with conditions in his favour.

I also like MUSICAL MAESTRO to win the Caribbean Sprint, late-kicking ALPHA LUPA to catch the fleet-footed EXPLOSIVE PEAK in the MegaFone Mile, speedy MR. SKILL to go all the way in the Juvenile Sprint, as well as MOUNT DIABLO in the second, RALLYTOMARKET in the fourth and ACCOMPONG ahead of IN THE PRIME and TIMOTHY SCOTT in the nightpan.

Post time is 11:15 a.m.