With the first day of the 2024 racing season ended, turfites and punters are now looking forward to day two of this year’s Arima Race Club (ARC) racing season.
First-day debut winner, the Lester Alexis-trained El Rey Sanjay heads a field of nine three-year-olds who have been nominated for the first Grade Three event of this season.
Champion two-year-olds of last year In The Headlines which has won all her starts to date will not be in the lineup as his nomination has not been paid.
The Grade Three - Chief Commander Classic will be contested on March 2 over 1,600 metres on the turf track. Champion trainer John O’Brien has four engaged and will be expecting improvement from Bayou Jazz which was beaten by El Rey Sanjay on opening day. El Rey Sanjay was impressive when making all in the 1,200m event and could prove very difficult to beat in this event.
O’Brien has the improving Uncle Rog, Soca Symphony, Creme De La Creme and Bayou Jazz in the field.
The Glenn Mendez-trained Secret Pages must be respected after finishing fourth behind El Rey Sanjay. Secret Pages missed the break but ran on well in the final 400m.
Capital Tee has been galloping well and could do well in this event. Red Alert has been in and out and will have to improve to be in the dance. The Fred DeFreitas-trained Unbelievable ran well on his debut and when he returned on the first day of racing he showed up well for a while and could well go close.
When the first nominations were taken yesterday a total of $2,583 was collected.
Here are the nomination for the Chief Commander Classic (R T&T)(Gr 111 R).
Open To Native Bred 3 Y.O.
To Be Run On March 2
Bayou Jazz, Capital Tee, Creme De La Creme, El Rey Sanjay, Red Alert, Secret Pages,Soca Symphony, Unbeleivable, Uncle Rog.
Total - $2,583