Prime Minister looks the right choice

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

PRIME MINISTER should notch his third win from his last four starts at Caymanas Park today when he takes on six opponents in the Altamont V. Armond Memorial Cup (claiming $350,000-$300,000) over 2000 metres, feature event on the card.

The eight-year-old gelding from the stables of Robert Darby Sr has shown a passion for two-turn races, having won back-to-back races over the circular nine course on January 7 and January 21, the more recent on a $450,000 claiming tag.

Although asked to shoulder topweight of 57.0kg today, PRIME MINISTER is only 1.0kg heavier in relation to the weight he carried on January 21, and now dropped in class, his fitness and experience in these type of races should see him through.

It should be pointed out that PRIME MINISTER blotted his copybook on a $550,000 claiming tag on January 28 when finishing 10th to LIKKLE BIT over 1600 metres. But he is so much better going two turns that one can throw that performance through the window.

Trophy at stake

With the competition more manageable and a trophy at stake, PRIME MINISTER should win from old rival BULLET LINE, a stretch-running mare who has won twice going two turns since 2010.

BULLET LINE, who is trained by Ryan Darby - son of Robert Darby Sr - stayed on to finish five lengths sixth to PRIME MINISTER on January 21, and although only 1.0kg better off at the weights for the services of Paul 'Country' Francis, is a dangerous opponent.

The three-year-old gelding CASH TALKS could also be brought into the reckoning in a race of this nature despite running poorly among the best of his age-group as a two-year-old on November 26 and last Boxing Day in the lucrative Super Ventures series.

But despite the claims of BULLET LINE and CASH TALKS, PRIME MINISTER remains the one to beat. Leading jockey Dane Nelson has the ride, and this is a plus in the gelding's favour.

Elsewhere on the nine-race programme which offers carryovers in both Super-6s, the overnight allowance sprint looks tailored for the fleet-footed filly NIPHAL, to be ridden by champion jockey Dick Cardenas in a field of seven.

Although horses such as NEW KINGSTON, JAYLEN and THE GUARDIAN have the ability to figure seriously, they should be outsprinted by the Howard Jaghai-trained NIPHAL into the straight, and with only 51.0kg, the 2011 1000 Guineas winner should stave off NEW KINGSTON under leading jockey Dane Nelson.

I also like the American filly NOON IT IS to repeat in the second race, MY PREROGATIVE in the fifth, the debutante HOWGREATTHOUART (working very well) in the seventh, and TIMEFORARMS (Lasix on) to catch EASTWOOD in the nightpan.

CAPTION: DON GEORGE (right), one of two winners for leading jockey Dane Nelson and trainer Gary Subratie, storms through on the inside to beat the front-running favourite SHE'S SPECTACULAR (centre, Paul Francis) and WINCHESTER (Dick Cardenas) in the sixth race over the straight-five course at Caymanas Park last Saturday. The Don Wehby-owned colt won at odds of 7-2. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer