The John O'Brien four-year-old filly Bella Riva who was beaten on her turf debut by Desert Dancer on New Year's Day at Santa Rosa Park, has an opportunity to gain revenge when the pair clash in Saturday's feature event over 1350 metres on the main track at the centralised venue.
The feature event on the seven-race programme on Day Two of the Arima Race Club (ARC) racing season, is the Modified Benchmark Handicap Three year-old and Over Horses rated 80-60 over 1350 metres on the main track.
The Glen Mohammed trained eight-year-old brown gelding, Desert Dancer, who scored a shock victory on New Year's Day when winning over 1,500 metres on the turf track at odds of 24/1, will attempt to land a quick-fire double in the event. In that race, Desert Dancer beat Bella Riva by 2 1/2 lengths but with the switch to the main track, the result on today may be different.
Bella Riva has galloped well in preparation for this event and with 52.5 kilos to tote Desert Dancer will have to improve further to go pass the Poon Tip Stud Farm owned filly.
Bella Riva should enhance trainer John O'Brien enviable record for the season thus far.
The main event has attracted seven entrants and on paper looks a very competitive race. Desert Dancer's weight has been lessened by the claim of apprentice Omar Mohammed. But with trainer Mohammed getting a line on this horse, he could put up another bold show.
News Flash from the O'Brien barn must be respected but she in no way can handout weight and beat Bella Riva. The In-form News Flash will have the assistance of Ronald Ali.
Glenn Mendez has Signal Note engaged with former champion jockey Ricky Jadoo astride. This horse will race with 51.5 kilos and must have an outside shot while the same sentiments can be expressed for the Michael Lutchman trained Leonardo Angel which has changed stables.
As usual, both local and simulcast racing from America can be viewed live on the ARC's Flow Cable Channels 998 and 999, while betting will be conducted by telephone or online using the MBet facility, for account holders. Simulcast racing this Saturday includes the Pegasus World Cup and supporting races from Gulfstream Park in Florida.
The ARC continues to stage its racing with strict adherence to the Government approved Covid-19 restriction guidelines.
Saturday's feature event:
R6:4:30PM - Stakeholders Modified Benchmark Handicap - 3 Y.O & Over Horses Rated 50-35 -1350M -$13,150
075*1*Mafia Man*H Chadee/T Phillips*51.5*Respected
541*2*Desert Dancer*G Mohammed/O Mohammed*57*Repeat
424*3*Leonardo Angel*G Mendez/R Jadoo*53.5*In good form
113*4*News Flash*J O'Brien/K Santo*54.5*Running on
465*5*Sunset Cloud*L Alexis/Ri Hernandez*53.5*Outsider
312*6*Bella Riva*J O'Brien/B Boodramsing*52.5*The winner
931*7*Signal Note*M Luchman/R Jadoo*51.5*Big shout