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Ideal trip for Divine Force against speedsters

Published:Thursday | February 8, 2024 | 12:12 AMAinsley Walters/Gleaner Writer
DIVINE FORCE, ridden by Tevin Foster wins THE VESTIA TROPHY Division II over seven-and-half furlongs, a three-year-old and upwards restricted allowance stakes, at Caymanas Park on December 30, 2023.
Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer
DIVINE FORCE, ridden by Tevin Foster wins THE VESTIA TROPHY Division II over seven-and-half furlongs, a three-year-old and upwards restricted allowance stakes, at Caymanas Park on December 30, 2023.

DIVINE FORCE gets the ideal trip, a mile, in Saturday’s ‘Lindy’ Delapenha Memorial to mow down speedsters I REALISE and FURTHER AND BEYOND, who should cancel themselves on the lead trying to escape each other.

A danger to all whenever controlling speed resides with him, I REALISE has the pace to run rivals into the ground. However, he has topweight 126lb at a taxing distance for a horse aiming to make all, especially with FURTHER AND BEYOND out to create mayhem up front.

FURTHER AND BEYOND, who held his own among crack rivals in open-allowance company two years ago, before going off on a year’s lay-up, has had his issues but can be a dangerous contender if sound.

A battle royale on the lead should play into DIVINE FORCE’s hands. The United States-bred four-year-old colt won easily, clocking a solid 1:32.2 at seven and a half furlongs. Powering up the lane on December 30, DIVINE FORCE appears to have improved with the figure-eight fitted for his last four runs.

I REALISE and FURTHER AND BEYOND are the only speed threats Tevin Foster has to keep an eye on. Should FURTHER AND BEYOND not report at his best, I REALISE could try stealing the show. However, DIVINE FORCE shouldn’t be too far off the pace to pounce on the locals with a mere 118lb, in receipt of eight pounds from I REALISE, who should have no answer when the foreigner knocks.