The unbeaten Bella Riva, who two weeks ago won her 'prep' race for the first Jewel of local racing's Triple Crown, the Guineas, impressively by 3 3/34 lengths, has seen four more horses defect from the opening round.
The first leg of the Triple Crown, which is expected to be run off on August 1, now has 14 horses listed from an opening round of 21 equine entrants.
Bella Riva, the Jetsam Award winner for the Champion Juvenile of 2019, stretched her unbeaten record to five successes from as many starts when she cruised to victory in the final event on day nine of the Arima Race Club (ARC) racing season.
Bella Riva, the prohibitive favourite at odds of 3-5, did not disappoint her backers, as she scored impressively in the time of 1:12.3. The daughter of Saint Vigeur/Grand Riviere could well give Brian Boodramsing his second Triple Crown winner.
When the Poon Tip Stud Farm-owned Bella Riva goes to post for the Guineas, she will be chasing a six-timer. However, the much anticipated Triple Crown will see the 'Middle Jewel', The Midsummer Classic, being staged on Independence Day (August 31) and the final leg remaining on Republic Day (September 24).
On her first start of this season, three-year-old Bella Riva crossed the line an impressive winner in the time of 1:22.2, two and a half lengths ahead of Wise Guy who was in turn 7 1/4 lengths ahead of Star Apostle in third.
Based purely on the form book, Bella Riva could give O'Brien and the powerful Poon Tip Stud Farm, another classic winner.
The four three-year-olds which have defected are Amani, Goldon D'or, Mayaluga and Smooth Sailing.
When the fourth nomination for the Guineas was paid yesterday a total of 14 horses stayed in the fourth nomination stage. A total of $35,742 has been paid in the four nomination stages so far.
The horses for which nominations have been paid are Airforce Won (Jamaica), American Traveller (Jamaica), Bella Riva, CP Jet, Leave Me Alone, Mighty Vegas, Nuclear Fire (Jamaica), Princess Stefanni, Red Casino, Red Knuckles, Spanish Eyes (Jamaica), Spring Valley (Jamaica), Sweet Caroline (Jamaica) and Wise Guy.