The Bway Ah Bway Big Man Classic, run at a distance of 1-1/16 miles, headlines TRAXCO’s Labor Day 11-race card on Sunday at the Randall “Doc” James racetrack.
Khun Dan out of St. Thomas will go up against four St. Croix-based horses in Temo’s Dream, Eire’s Run, Political Reporter and Expect Smoke.
With the early defection of Tortola-based Lake Texoma, this one is wide open.
Eirie’s Run, who turned in an excellent race last time out, could very well go to the poll as the morning line favorite. But he has yet to beat Expect Smoke in a head-to-head matchup, and both of these runners will be coming hard from just off the pace.
Political Reporter is the speedster of the race but may come up well short against this level of competition.
Temo’s Dream, meanwhile, has been one of the most inconsistent horses running at the track in recent years. When Temo’s shows up, he can give anybody on the track a run for their money. However, it seems like he throws in a clunker after every victory, which means that he should be sitting on a good effort for Sunday.
Khun Dan is a dead closer and will be coming running late.
The Big Gyal Rule Classic, for mares and fillies, is also at a distance of 1-1/16 miles. This race will feature the top female thoroughbreds on St. Croix, including Finish in Style, who could be lights-out if she is in top form.
Meanwhile, Leggy Blonde, riding a two-race winning streak, has matured into the best mare on the block. Other notables include Sarasota May Bell, who’s stepping up in class; Prodefrere, who’s coming off a long layoff and may need a race; and Whoshotthesherrif, a highly touted mare who has yet to really fire against the top competition.
This distance seems to suit Leggy Blonde’s running style the best. While not having raced outside St. Croix, she can compete and win against some of her more highly touted adversaries in this race.
Finish in Style, a $25,000 dollar claimer out of Keeneland racetrack in Kentucky, is the class of the race on paper, having faced much tougher competition stateside. However, she has not been in top shape of late and that could open the way for Leggy Blonde to step up and take control.
The battle for the winner’s circle should come down to these two.
The rest of the day’s card:
Race 1 N-6 5Furlongs $3,100
1. Gold Sizzler 118
2. Deuce’s Halo 116
3. Deroadismine (STT) 118
4. Slew Them 116
5. Jada Kiss 114
6. Diamond Colony 114
7. Cruzan Emerald (Debut) 116
8. Joe boss 116
Race 2 Class I-5(M/F) 7 ½ F $3,200
1. Excessively Classy 116
2. M J Kailahsafe 114
3. Honey Mustard Time 116
4. Cristy Niki (Debut) 118
5. Utuado City 115
6. Pyrite Shelby 116
7. Pasodefango (STT) 118
Race 3 Henry Knight Classic 7 ½ F $3,300
1. Love City Slew (STT) 116
2. Kings of Kings 118
3. Gold Finger 117
4. Miss Kosi 114
5. Papa Birin 118
6. Midnight Approval 118
7. Small Fortune 118
Race 4 Class I-5 C/G 1-1/16 M $3,500
1. Big thunder Reflec 116
2. Halo Boudreaux 116
3. Formally Cat (STT) 116
4. Far Rumor 116
5. Salty Glider 116
6. Itmidas 116
7. Tulsa boy 116
8. According to Jesus 116
Race 5 Class I-4-5 1 Mile $3,600
1. A Bit Of Madness 117
1A. Black Machine 117
2. Full House Project 119
3. Ala Cat 114
4. Russian Way 117
5. San Viron 117
6. Winning Actor (STT) 117
7. RB’s Agenda 117
A/E Tiger Glider (STT) 117
Race 6 The Dash For Cash 5F $5,000
1. Gallant Ruler (STT) 115
2. Groomsman 119
3. Bruno’s Burst 117
4. Starship Voyage (STT) 117
Race 7 Native Rhythm Classic 1M $3,600
1. Midnight Indictment 116
2. Express To Cali 118
3. From Emeralds to Ruby’s 114
4. Dinero 119
5. Creation Rebel 119
6. Super Pop 114
7. Knight 116
Race 8 Claude Shakel George 1M $4,200
1. Trouble at Home 114
2. Sum Splendor (STT) 117
3. Puerto Rican Emblem 117
4. News Carrier (Debut)(STT) 119
5. Blackjack Bob 119
Race 11 Class I-4-M/F 7 ½ F $3,400
1. Apron’s Dance 116
2. Devil’s Revenge 116
3. Dorado Missile (Debut) 119
4. YIMC Sword 115
5. Destiny Arrival 117
6. Paul’s Gift 117
7. Dance Mistress 117
