Slevin, James Bates’ dark brown gelding and winner of the first leg of the Virgin Islands Triple Crown on Tortola, will be looking to go 2 for 2 with a victory in the second leg of the series when he takes on six rivals in the featured “Flamboyant Stakes” at the Randall “Doc” James racetrack on Sunday.
Slevin’s race is number 11 on the card, a distance of 1-1/16 miles, and has a purse of $11, 750. It’s expected to be more competitive than the first leg of the Triple Crown, where it appeared as if Slevin toyed with the competition before drawing away late for the relatively easy victory.
This time, however, many expect a more competitive race. Bud White and Diablo’s Fire will be carrying the hope of fans from St. Thomas. Bud White is making his Virgin Islands debut, and according to the industry database, Equibase, the horse won two of his last three races at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York.
Totola’s East End Tap and Good Prospecting are also two very highly touted thoroughbreds and are expected to be in the final mix as well. Rounding out the field are two more St. Croix representatives, the front running Political Reporter and Slevin’s stable mate, Berberis.
Berberis is coming off of an easy win on a recent trip to St. Thomas’ Clinton Phipps Racetrack. He could be a surprise here.
The rest of the day’s card:
Race 1 Class N-6 C/G –M/F 5F, $3,400
1. Cruzan Emerald 116
2. Tru Gold 118
3. Crystal Blessing (Debut) 114
4. Elani (Debut) 114
5. Hanna Boss 114
6. Polo Matches 116
7. Diamond Colony 115
Race 2 Class I-5(M/F) I-6-C/G 6F, $3,500
1. Pyrite Shelby 114
2. Robadorable 114
3. Star Stripe (Debut) 115
4. Utuado Fire 114
5. Excessively Classy 114
6. Dorado Missile 118
Race 3 Class I-5-6 6F $3,400
1. Game Winner 116
1A. Neerly Nasty 114
2. Guiltless 120
3. Spitfire Red 114
4. Winning Actor (STT) 120
5. Far Rumor 116
6. What’s Poppin (Debut) 114
7. Separate Bill 116
Race 4 Class N-5 V.I. Bred 7 ½ F $3,400
1. Super Pop 119
2. Small Fortune 117
3. Miss Kosi 114
4. Joe Boss 114
5. Love City Slew (STT) 114
Race 5 Class I-5(M/F) 7-1/2F, $3,500
1. Paul’s Gift 117
2. Prodefrere 115
3. Dance Mistress 117
4. Rasta Queen 118
5. M J Kailahsafe 114
Race 6 Class I-5 1M $3,600
1. Salty Glider 118
2. Full House Project 114
3. A Bit Of Madness 116
4. Thanks McGiverin 114
5. Big Thunder Reflec 117
6. Tulsa Boy 116
7. Ala Cat 118
8. Itsmidas 115
Race 7 Class I-3-4 1 M, $3,800
1. Brave Reward (Debut) 119
2. Black Machine 114
3. Sum Splendor (STT) 114
4. Going Blue 114
5. Green Sand 119
6. Spirit on Fire (TOR) 114
7. San Viron 117
8. Eastern board (STT) 117
9. Mr. Gold Prospect (STT) 117
Race 8 “The Mongoose Sprint”6F $4,000
1. Groomsman 115
1A. Johann Slew (Debut) 114
2. Broken Home (TOR) 120
3. Really Uptown (TOR) 120
4. Aircraft Intercept (STT) 117
5. Bruno’s Burst 114
Race 9 “Armando Martinez” 1 M $3,800
6. Midnight Indictment 116
1. Express To Cali 118
2. Dinero 118
3. Irie Ites 117
4. Creation Rebel 119
5. Prince Crystal 118
Race 10 “Ag Fair Classic” 1 Mile $4,200
1. Blackjack Bob 117
1A. Expect Smoke 118
2. Square One (TOR) 117
3. Big D 118
4. Khun Dan (STT) 117
5. Sweet Sight (STT) 120
6. Puerto Rican Emblem 120
7. All Country (TOR) 117
Race 12 Class I-1-3 (M/F) 1M $4,000
1. Finish in Style 118
2. Whoshotthesheriff 117
3. Out of Wine 120
4. Glorious Memory (TOR) 120
5. Thumbleweedsn’roses 114
6. Leggy Blonde 120
