Captain Calico to duel Atlantic Convoy for ‘Billy’ Williams Memorial

Whereas the handicaps favour ATLANTIC CONVOY in Sunday's Allan 'Billy' Williams Memorial, four pounds lighter, after giving up 10lb when beaten by five lengths last October, CAPTAIN CALICO appears to be a seven-furlong specialist, winning twice at the trip, including lowering his time to 1:26.2, four-fifths of a second faster than when he had outsped the Canadian.

With the weight swing in his favour, ATLANTIC CONVOY should turn the tables on CAPTAIN CALICO, but that might be easier said than done. Whereas the 14lb weight swing gives him the upper hand on paper, ATLANTIC CONVOY will have to outperform CAPTAIN CALICO's 1:26.2, done with 123lb in a truly-run race on Mouttet Mile Day, to complement the handicaps.

CAPTAIN CALICO and ATLANTIC CONVOY having cannons primed could turn the event into a speed battle, especially with the dangerous MAMMA MIA being a clear and present danger, though not doing much at exercise.

Last year's 1000 Guineas and Oaks winner, MAMMA MIA, produced a stunner in the December 2 Mouttet Mile, leading the country's top runners into the lane before Florida invader ROUGH ENTRY ran through.

Still second a furlong out in her brave effort, MAMMA MIA finished a length behind her fellow classic winner, derby champion ABILITY, both outclassed by out-of-country ROUGH ENTRY, who won by six lengths.

Should MAMMA MIA reproduce her Mouttet Mile effort, the colts could be in serious trouble. However, the speedy Soul Warrior-Princess Geeta filly appears suspect after hauling up lame at the half-mile marker in her following race, the Ian Levy Cup, won by ATOMICA on New Year's Day.

MAMMA MIA has not been asked to do much at exercise since the Ian Levy, a half-mile gallop in 48.3 on February 10, followed by a slow 1:05.4 for five furlongs round last Saturday morning, not exactly the ideal preparation, unless playing possum for a showdown with ATLANTIC CONVOY and CAPTAIN CALICO.

However, it appears MAMMA MIA might have returned too soon from her Mouttet Mile heroics, the effects of which she could still be feeling, considering her slow workout at five furlongs a week ago, making the fresher colts, ATLANTIC CONVOY and CAPTAIN CALICO, the horses to be on.