Stick with Exotic Gold in Hotline Stakes

By Hurbun Williams Observer writer

Saturday, February 18, 2012

The 18th running of the Hotline Stakes, one of several pre-season litmus tests staged for native-bred fillies preparing for the three-year-old Classics, rolls into action once more at Caymanas Park today.

A field of nine has been declared in the Restricted Allowance II event for non-winners of two races and it is dominated by three entrants from the stables of champion and leading trainer Wayne DaCosta. The 1,200 metres event will headline the 11-race card at approximately 5:00 pm for the major share of the $1,066,000 purse. First post at 12:05 pm.

Exotic Gold, one of the three entrants to be saddled by DaCosta, has shown herself to be an early leading contender for top honours following that potentially promising effort behind stablemate All Correct, while the colt was winning last season's Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes over 1,600 metres on Boxing Day.

Owned by Alexander Haber, Exotic Gold, by He'stherealthing out of Formally Gold (Formal Gold) and bred by Orange Valley Estates, has scored her lone win over today's distance. The time of 1:16.0 minutes was very ordinary. However, since then she has come on a lot. Not one with tear away front end speed, but one that has a lively turn of foot in the closing stages and having been well drilled for her three-year-old debut could throw down the gauntlet to some very capable age-group rivals and come away winner which could heighten prospects for serious consideration of her Classic chances. Leading jockey Dane Nelson will ride in place of Richard Mitchell.

A potential danger to Exotic Gold's chances could manifest itself in the Gary Subratie-prepared Trinitutor. Owned by Ransford Randall, Trinitutor, even before running in an official race, had shown signs of good ability and a potential Classic prospect and after making a winning debut on January 21 over the 1,000 metres course, confirmed all observations with an encouraging performance.

A bay filly by Ghost Ransom out of Kathythetraina (Conquitador Cielo) bred by Trevor James, Trinitutor is yet to ride the bends in an official race but having pleased at exercise with Lasix administered for the first time could be among the fiercest rivals of Exotic Gold. Omar Walker will again ride.

Exotic Gold, should also expect noticeable challenges from She's Traditional the mount of Paul Francis, Awesome Sensation under Dick Cardenas, Kayla Felecia, Winston Griffiths up and stablemate Poochie Liu with Shane Ellis astride.

Ones To Watch

Race 1 Justin On Fire (Dane Nelson)

Race 2 Priceless Gold (Shane Ellis)

Race 3 Trial Lawyer (Shane Ellis)

Race 4 Rose Gold (Shane Ellis)

Race 5 Rio Cobre (Dane Nelson)

Race 6 Fly For Pleasure (Dick Cardenas)

Race 7 Golden Powerball (Omar Walker)

Race 8 Alana's Gold (Conrod Ellis)

Race 9 Checkitout (Oneil Mullings)

Race 10 Exotic Gold (Dane Nelson)

Race 11 Straight A's (Micheal Grant)