Jarreau for Sports Journalists Trophy

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Back-to-form JARREAU looks the one to beat in the 10th running of the Sports Journalists of Jamaica Trophy (claiming $350,000-$300,000), to be contested by eight starters over 1200 metres at Caymanas Park today.

JARREAU, who was claimed after winning over this trip a week ago, is actually up in class to vie for this trophy, but this will not deter him in a bid to repeat.

JARREAU was claimed out of the first race last Saturday by trainer Renex Burrell for himself, moving from the stables of Patrick Taylor.

At his best, JARREAU, who promised much early in his career but hardly delivered, is obviously making up for lost time and can emphasise the point by lifting this trophy.

The four-year-old son of Dayton Flyer-Ecstatic ran through in the last furlong to score by two lengths and in present frame of mind, is confidently expected to follow up with Richard 'Biah' Mitchell again in the saddle.

JARREAU is conveniently placed in the scales with 54.0kg, and despite the claims of down-in-class SI PUEDO, with leading jockey Omar Walker and KATHERINETHEGREAT, who is enjoying good form, it is he who catches my fancy.

SI PUEDO, a proven campaigner, looks the main danger, having lost to PRESCRIPTION in a photo-finish over the straight on on May 23. And last time out, the six-year-old gelding was not disgraced in finishing 4 3/4 lengths fifth to PRINCESS NIYAH over this trip on a $400,000 claiming tag. He runs for $350,000 today.

TSETSI DAVIS TROPHY

Also on the 12-race programme is the Tsetsi Davis Trophy open allowance race over 1820 metres, run in honour of the boxer who made a brave bid for the Contender Series boxing title on Wednesday night.

Davis is a farrier (blacksmith) at Caymanas Park, and CTL has seen it fit to recognise one of their own with a race named in his honour.

It will be contested by seven starters, including top contenders COMMANDING CHIEF, REASONABLE PRESS and last year's 2000 Guineas winner UNCLE DONNY, the one I like best from the convenient mark of 52.0kg with Walker aboard.

Other firm fancies on the card are the debutant FORCE DE JOUR (working well) in the opening two-year-old race for the Eddie Black Memorial Cup; SIRMANDI in the third, SHINING GOLD in the sixth, PRINCE KAYTON in the eighth, THUNDER HEART to catch JAVINE in the ninth race for maidens and LADY BELRIDGE in the closing Track Price Plus Dig Out handicap.