Trainer Chen has high hopes for Poseidon

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Top ten trainer Dwight Chen, who won the 1000 Guineas and Oaks with the filly LADY T in 2007, has high hopes for his lightly raced but progressive three-year-olds colt POSEIDON in tomorrow's $2.7 million Lotto Classic for the Governor's Cup at Caymanas Park.

Sponsored by Supreme Ventures Limited, the prestigious mile and quarter race, which marks its 69th running, has attracted 13 starters, but all the buzz is about the big chestnut colt who is sure to be installed favourite, especially with big-race jockey Winston 'Fanna' Griffiths down to ride the Law Of The Sea- Melissa's Song offspring for the first time.

Chen was upbeat about the chances of POSEIDON who, despite having only his fifth outing since debuting on March 4, is a worthy favourite. Chen summed up his chances this way:

"Preparation-wise, I think I have him where I want to be at this stage. He really pleased me at exercise on Monday morning when galloping six furlongs in a brisk 1:13.2.

"After winning his last race over nine furlongs and 25 yards in underfoot conditions, I had some reservations that I would get him ready in time for the Governor's Cup for he was still green.

"My programme was geared more towards the Derby, but he has responded quite well to the training and I'm pretty confident he can get the job done on Saturday," added Chen.

Continuing, the trainer said: "You should remember he was a close third to BRUCEONTHELOOSE in the 2000 Guineas on only his third outing on April 4. He beat many of his Governor's Cup opponents that day and subsequently accounted for others when winning easily on May 2.

"He obviously has a touch of class and the sky's the limit for him," said the trainer who was hard-pressed to single out a danger, even though speaking favourably of GO ROBIN GO, NAVAL COMMANDER, PRINCE OF PEACE and the lightly raced JAYLEN.

1987 Triple Crown

Veteran trainer Stanley Findlay, who saddled the 1987 Triple Crown winner MONDAY MORNING to win the 2000 Guineas that year, is quietly confident that his improving colt, GO ROBIN GO, who won by the proverbial city block over 1700 metres in maiden company last time out, will be right there at the finish. "True, he comes in a bit heavy with 54.0kg," said the trainer. "However, I had him scoped and Lasix has been administered for the first time. He has also pleased in his preparation and I'm looking forward to a big run from him," said Findlay, who has gone for jockey Shane Ellis.

Rookie trainer Dalton Sirjue, who will saddle the lightly raced JAYLEN (a recent winner) is also anticipating a good run from his charge.

"Jaylen has tremendous scope and his time of 2:10.0, when winning over the distance on May 2, compares favourably with that of SAINT CECELIA, who won the Oaks over the same distance in 2:09.3," he argued. In-form Richie Mitchell has the ride.