Third time’s the charm for Mojito?

How many chances does MOJITO get after flopping in a second race since finishing down the track in last December’s Mouttet Mile?

Returning to blast 1:25.2, blinkers fitted, for seven furlongs last Sunday morning after an underwhelming fifth-place finish behind BLUE VINYL, SUPREMASI and INTRETNTIMESAHEAD in the Liu Chie Poo at a mile on June 13, MOJITO will either be a suckers’ bet or runaway winner of Saturday’s Clovis Metcalfe at seven and a half furlongs.

Trainer Richard Azan has summoned Omar Walker, who has been slowly regaining his mojo with key wins for Anthony Nunes, including NAUTICAL STAR in last week’s SVL 25th Anniversary Trophy.

Walker replaces Bebeto Harvey aboard MOJITO, the quirky grey, who made hacks of rivals, GIRVANO included, in last November’s Grade One Jamaica Cup after a runaway win in the Kenneth Mattis Memorial.

Bypassing the US$100,000 Bruceontheloose Sprint in a dog-and-his-shadow attempt at the US$300,000 Mouttet Mile, MOJITO got his comeuppance against grade-one foreigners – RIDEALLDAY, LEGACY ISLE, and FUNCAANDUN – finishing 10th after racing mid-pack in a blistering first half-mile.

MOJITO’s Mouttet Mile exertions could have done a number on the already-fragile local-bred, resulting in his mediocre efforts since. However, 1:25.2 has to be respected, especially with steal-a-march Walker in the irons.

Whereas MOJITO’s form doesn’t suggest he should win, GIRVANO fits the bill. Closing from off the pace to get within two and three-quarter lengths of LEGACY ISLE’s track-record 1:22.3 in the Eros Trophy a month ago should put the four-year-old American in the winners’ enclosure.

However, MOJITO, at his best, had wired GIRVANO in November’s Jamaica Cup at nine and a half furlongs. Similar to the Liu Chie Poo, it depends on which MOJITO turns up this weekend. Should he report with his exercise form, GIRVANO won’t catch him.