Although the season's final classic, the RJR Jamaica St Leger over 2000 metres is the principal feature at Caymanas Park tomorrow, the 12-race programme will mark the return of the RJR Classic after a two-year absence.

Confined to overnight allowance horses, the 1500-metre race, which offers a total purse of $600,000, has attracted a maximum field of 16 from which PRINCE TERRON (Richie Mitchell up), SMOOTH DUDE (Shane Ellis), AD INFINITUM (Brian Harding), PRIME MINISTER (Dane Nelson), SATISFIER (Larris Allen) and the ageing GOOD COMPANY, under champion jockey Omar Walker, are leading lights.

Keen competition

As was the case when the race was last run in 2005, the RJR Classic should ensure keen competition among horses from the most competitive class in racing.

PRINCE TERRON has strong claims and could well start favourite. The four-year-old gelding from the stables of Dwight Chen won easily over the distance on April 30 and came back with two good efforts in defeat when finishing second to SMOOTHABILITY and ACCOMPONG, respectively, in May. He failed by 1 3/4 lengths to catch the American filly SMOOTHABILITY in a fast-run 1300-metre race on May 10 and was an unlucky loser when going under by a length to ACCOMPONG over 1600 metres on May 23 (Labour Day), having suffered interference at the half mile under top weight of 57.0kg.

PRINCE TERRON returns well refreshed for tomorrow's encounter. The son of Pat N Jac - Lakefield has worked well and looks nicely off at the weights with only 53.0kg.

The one to beat

He definitely looks the one to beat, even though good arguments can be put across for the stable-companions SMOOTH DUDE and AD INFINITUM, both trained by Anthony Nunes, as well as the Richie Todd-trained PRIME MINISTER, who is well within himself at present.

SMOOTH DUDE was installed a 3-2 favourite for a 1400-metre race on June 28, but despite this could only manage seventh (beaten five lengths) to SLOGAN and the fast-finishing PRIME MINISTER who was only a length adrift.

SMOOTH DUDE was having his first race since March 12 and now that much sharper, it is not beyond him to take top honours with only 52.0kg.

AD INFINITUM, who finished a close sixth in the same race, was having his first outing in 17 months and with that under his girth, the sparingly raced son of Pangur Ban should prove a very dangerous opponent.

PRINCE TERRON, however, has most appeal in this large field. He has good pace and can come from behind if the situation demands.

SMOOTH DUDE, AD INFINITUM and PRIME MINISTER should ensure he is extended.