I am taking the John O'Brien trained four-year-old General JN to win Saturday's feature event over 1750 metres on the main track at Santa Rosa Park, Arima.
General JN who won the first two legs of local racing 'Triple Crown' in 2018, returned to racing earlier this year and has won both his races impressively and today he will be seeking to record a hat-trick of wins with leading apprentice jockey Rico Hernandez in the saddle. Hernandez one kilo claim could be the difference between victory and defeat.
General JN who has been allotted 55 kilos in the main event and can prove that he is underweighted by winning as he please in this event. General JN has been galloping well in preparation for this event and he will be the horse that they will all have to beat.
Trainer Harriram Gobin has three engaged headed by last season's Gold Cup winner Nuclear Power. last time out in the President's Cup Nuclear Power did not fire and finished sixth behind General JN. However, the grey filly has since been galloping well and is expected, this time around. Master of War finished fast behind General JN last time out and today on slightly better terms, he is expected to turn the tables. American Dillon the third entry for the stable for owner Shivam Maharaj will no doubt try to use his speed but he may be found wanting.
O'Brien has Thisonesforron engaged and despite his top-weight of 60 kilos, he will again run his race. I expect him to go close under Kerron Khelawan.
Champion trainer Glenn Mendez has the consistent Caesar Country engaged and this thoroughbred will be ridden by apprentice Sven Balroop. He will tote 50 kilos and must have an outside shot.
Challenger Root of Jesse from the barn of Rolf Bartolo will round off the field and this talented individual will tote 56.5 kilos. He will have his weight reduced with the three kilos claim of Tristan Philips.
The Arima Race Club (ARC) seven-race card is expected to begin at 1:15 pm.