The field for Millennium Racing, Inc.’s final leg of Virgin Islands horseracing’s “Johnnie Walker Triple Crown Challenge” is now set. Led by the record breaking, dominating winner of the second leg on St. Croix, Bud White, six thoroughbreds are expected to answer the call to post on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at the Clinton Phipps Race Track on St. Thomas. 
St. Thomas, St. Croix, and Tortola will be represented by two thoroughbred racers each. Bud White and Diablo’s Fire will represent St. Thomas and look to defend the home turf, while Berberis and Political Reporter will face a tall order in trying to bring home the trophy for St. Croix. The BVI will be represented by East End Tap and Good Prospecting.
A huge noticeable absent from the race will be the first leg winner and second leg place horse, Slevin, who would have given the favorite his toughest competition on Sunday. It is the matchup most of the fans would have wanted to see, however, it is not to be. Whether or not Slevin’s absence is connected to a possible controversy after the race on St. Croix over Bud White’s eligibility is anyone’s guess, but some believe it to be a key factor.
This race will also determine the winner of the Johnnie Walker Triple Crown Challenge bonus of $10,000.00 for the horse who accumulates the most points based upon their order of finish in all three (3) of the Challenge races. With the absence of Slevin, East End Tap now has the edge and only has to finish second or third capturing the bonus as a result of his second place finish on Tortola and his third place finish on St. Croix. He is also expected to go off as the second choice.
The race is carded as the eighth race of a nine race program to be run over a distance of 1-1/8 miles. Bud White, the favorite, is not eligible for the bonus, since he did not participate in all three legs.
The program also has two races for native bred horses, including a seven furlong, headed by the V I Native Triple Crown Champion, “Prince Crystal,” who is currently on a three race win streak.
Most of the best fillies and mares in the territory will also be on display. First race post is scheduled for 1:00 pm; post time for the featured final leg of the Johnnie Walker Triple Crown Challenge is scheduled to go off at 5:00 pm. Race card available later in the week.
