KINGSTON, Jamaica - A field of six runners is scheduled to contest the third running of the Christopher “Chris” Armond Sprint Trophy, a three-year-old and upwards Open Allowance/Graded Stakes contest over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m). The Chris Armond is scheduled to be contested on Monday, December 26 at Caymanas Park.
The Quick Galloper’s assessment of the six starters is provided below for the scrutiny of readers.
1 - GOD OF LOVE: (6 b g by Adore The Gold – Shanda D) – This is the horse in the line-up with the most wins (14) to his name. God of Love comes into this race on the backend of two consecutive victories with his latest being in the MBet Summit of Speed Trophy over 6 furlongs (1,200m) on December 10. God of Love is fit as hands can make him, and even allowing weight to all rivals, will be difficult to beat.
2 - KING ARTHUR: ( 5 b g by Natural Selection - Geisha’s Heart) – Based on current form, King Arthur cannot be given even a reasonable chance of winning.
3 - EAGLE ONE (USA): (5 b g by Astrology – Frisky Cheerleader) – Finished second behind God Of Love in the recent MBet Summit of Speed Trophy. Even though his well-being was exposed, Eagle One faces God Of Love again which makes his chance of winning very slim.
4 - SHE’S MY DESTINY: (4 ch f by Bern Identity - Woman Is Boss) – Did well in the Mouttet Mile in early December, although finishing in sixth place. Then, She’s My Destiny was in third place navigating the half-mile but gave way in deep stretch when the big guns got going. She’s My Destiny faces a moderate field and with the trip reduced, has the opportunity of placing another tick in her win column.
5 - ALEXA’S DREAM: (4 ch f by Berlino Di Tiger – Alexa’s Song) – Against these, Alexa’s Dream cannot get a winning vote.
6 - DUKE: (6 gr h by Casual Trick – Lady MacBeth) – Holds 13 wins to his name. Duke has been particularly active in recent times, but he is tough as nails. After his upset second-place finish in the highly competitive and rich Mouttet Mile on December 3, Duke returned one week later to finish third behind God of Love and Eagle One over 6 furlongs on December 10. Now at the races 10 days later, Duke will have to get it all right if he is to be successful. Despite these handicaps, Duke cannot be ruled out of serious consideration.
