I Dream Again to be tested in competitive Announcers’ Trophy

IN form four-year-old bay colt I Dream Again will start as the one to beat when 16 runners face off in the fifth running of the $1.25-million Caymanas Park Announcers’ Trophy, a Restricted Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m), on today’s 10-race card. The Soul Warrior – Lady Najariya progeny has been the model of consistency this season. Ultra-consistent from five furlongs (1,000m) straight to a mile (1,600m), the Jason DaCosta trainee has one win, three second placings, and secured third place three times from nine starts, with his lone victory coming over seven furlongs (1,400m) on April 26. Since then, he has been knocking hard at the door, and over a trip that suits, conditions look right for him to finally get his head in front. However, he will not have it all his own way as classy returnee Mark My Identity (Bern Identity – Sweet Like Sugar) looms as the major danger. The Bern Identity colt returns from a 125-day layoff, last seen finishing sixth behind Miss Grove and American Aviator over seven furlongs on June 28. Reports are he has been working well for his return, and based on sheer class, he is capable of winning first time back. Veteran Cookie Day N Night (Resurgence – Eloping Emma) is another who could upset the applecart. The six-year-old chestnut horse pops up every now and then with a big run and cannot be ruled out for the exotics. Progressive three-year-old bay colt Mohanlal is also expected to make his presence felt. Yet to fire in two tries at this grade the Casual Trick colt is improving and should be running on late. Honour Prince disappointed when down the straight on October 10 but is expected to do much better with the extra distance, while Bob The Builder continues to struggle to get competitive at this level and is hard to recommend. The rest of the field appears up against it. Danka faces a steep rise in class, Nebuchadnezzar has been well beaten of late and needs to find plenty, while California Gold is best watched for now. Prince Fianie and My Sunshine look outgunned, and Starraura has not shown enough to be considered. Abreathoffreshair is likely to be outpaced early; King Piye lacks recent form; Formalist is 0-for-4 at this level, with little to suggest a turnaround; and Princess Cataleya is up against it. The contest is positioned as the 10th and final event on the card with a post time of 5:15 pm. First race is at 11:25 am. — Ruddy Allen Ones to watch: Race 1) Rum With Me/Loyal Action/Sir Ganga Jamuna Race 2) Pop Rocket/Bennetta/Bougainvillea Race 3) Birthday King/Big Stack/Boss Over Boss Race 4) Runaway Star/You’re My Sweetie/Khaleesi Race 5) Planner/Prince Daniel/Secret Sensation Race 6) KP Choice/I Am Fred/Principal Tiffany Race 7) Salute The Don/McMullen/Sky Is The Limit Race 8) Pickleball/Brilliant Boy/Behave Race 9) God’s Plan/Minnehaha/Chedwrick Humor Race 10) I Dream Again/Mohanlal/Mark My Identity