Mahogany rooted as clear favourite
Published:Saturday | December 26, 2020 | 12:10 AMAinsley Walters/Gleaner Writer
MAHOGANY’s supersonic performance at six and a half furlongs, two Saturdays ago, was only bettered this season by his similarly devastating run at eight and a half, the distance at which he nearly lowered Smile ‘N’ Leave’s track record in August.
Returning to the scene of that crime today, following his brush with Eros’ track record on last, Ian Parsard’s speedy gelding strikes a fearsome figure, even at 121lb with TOONA CILIATA carrying 126.
Winning like an out-of-class foreigner, MAHOGANY was never tested last time out and it is hardly likely he will have company again. Whoever tests him on the lead can forget about winning the race and sitting off the pace, hoping he’ll stop, will be equally fatal to the closers.
TOONA CILIATA EXPOSED
TOONA CILIATA might be an accomplished handicapper but has shown on more than one occasion that he is a bully, who, when confronted with sustained pace, tends to run his worst races. Going up against a determined FATHER PATRICK and SIR ALTON exposed him badly at seven and a half furlongs last time out.
To floor MAHOGANY, TOONA CILIATA will need help, which won’t be forthcoming from the other speedsters. JAMAI RAJA got a baptism of fire from MAHOGANY last time out and EROY can’t dominate the pace, which has been foiling his game plan.
The best the field can hope for is that the distance gets the better of MAHOGANY, which basically leaves the race at the mercy of Dane Dawkins’ judgement. Having his confidence bolstered on last, Dawkins should get the job done.