Orville Clarke, Freelance Reporter

RANSOM MAN (left), ridden by Clive Lynch for trainer Gary Griffiths, holds on the fast finishing CHIPONYOURSHOULDER (centre), ridden by Richie Mitchell, and the favourite SOLGAN, to win the ninth race over 1700 metres at Caymanas Park on Saturday. RANSOM MAN was subsequently disqualified and placed last for causing interference to JADORE at the half-mile. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The two-day Easter racing carnival continues at Caymanas Park today with the 3-year-old and up overnight allowance race for the Easter Sprint Cup over 1100 metres, highlighting the well-supported holiday card.

The race has attracted 14 starters, including last year's winner DIESEL. But this time around the consistent seven-year-old gelding should be blown away by the two-top contenders - MR SKILL and THE BOMBER.

MR SKILL, from the stables of champion trainer Wayne DaCosta, has established himself as the fastest three-year-old around, and sprinting is definitely his forte.

THE BOMBER, on the other hand, won the Derby in post-to-post fashion last year and is genuine and consistent as they come. It will definitely come down to these two quality performers.

Trained by Patrick 'Wacky' Lynch, THE BOMBER makes his seasonal debut after finishing a close second to 'Horse of the Year' DISTINCTLY IRISH in the December 8 Caymanas Track Limited Gold Cup over 1400 metres. Now stepping down in class on the convenient mark of 53.0kg with title-chasing jockey Shane Ellis aboard, the son of Outrigger should bring his class to bear on the proceedings.

Supporters

Although not as extensively prepared as MR SKILL, THE BOMBER will report from a three-month respite in good nick and bearing in mind his proven class, will have many supporters.

Still, MR SKILL is chomping at the bit and having looked razor sharp at exercise in preparation for today's encounter, should take a lot of catching from the convenient mark of 53 kg with stable jockey Dane Nelson again in the saddle.

Indeed, MR SKILL caught the eye at exercise last Monday morning when galloping 5-1/2 furlongs in 1:06.1, the last five in 1:00.2. And his earlier workouts have all been impressive in preparation for the race.

When last raced on December 29, the son of Alisios-Unatural was caught and beaten in deep stretch by stable companion LIKKLE BIT over 1400 metres, but it is interesting to note that he led in blistering splits that day - 22.3 for the first two furlongs and 45.1 for the first half mile.

If he goes that fast over this reduced trip, MR. SKILL will pack too many for his 13 rivals.

THE BOMBER remains his principal danger, while the consistent SKYWAY EXPRESS, who is also trained by DaCosta, should complete the trifecta.

Other firm fancies on the 11-race programme are down-in-class MAN OF HONOUR to catch WHEELS OF LAW and UNQUESTIONABLE in Race No. 3 of the CTL Claiming Series over 1200 metres; MR WICKER to romp the fourth race for maiden four-year-olds, HOLY PRINCESS in the sixth for maiden three-year-olds, fleet-footed MELINDAGATA to make all at the expense of PRINCESS NESSA in the ninth, and SMILE OUT to catch POWERFUL PROSPECT and UNBRIDLED JOY in the nightpan.