Reggae 6 bettors ambushed by long shots

MOST Reggae 6 bettors stood no chance at snaring last Saturday's $906,823 payout, cut down at the opening event by ZION'S PRINCESS striking at 8-1, followed by 10-1 shot SOLO BLACK chasing down 1-2 favourite THE GENERAL in the third.

ZION'S PRINCESS opening salvo and SOLO BLACK nailing THE GENERAL were both major reversal of form by horses with odd personnel and equipment changes.

First, LAST DANCE, who had beaten ZION'S PRINCESS by five lengths when second behind MUSKETOON on February 23, was declared in cheek pieces for the first time in her career, resulting in a five-length reversal and third-place finish.

Second, SOLO BACK, running for son Lawrence D. Freemantle, turned tables on THE GENERAL, who had beaten him out of sight two weeks prior when racing in the name of father Lawrence W. Freemantle.

Such results, not to mention the Reggae 6 closer, 23-1 shot GOLDEN SYRUP, whose last seven starts were dismal performances, races which her stablemates either won or placed, force punters to spend extra on 'sleepers', who can pounce at the drop of a hat.

This weekend's Reggae 6 is worth taking a shot at by banking the first two races, super-fit TAURUS BOY among $1.5 million claimers at five furlongs straight and an improved MS CHERRY at six furlongs.

The third for four-year-old maidens and the fourth, the Sir Howard Stakes, should be approached with caution. Maidens speak for themselves, especially at age four, whereas the Sir Howard Stakes could result in a collapsing pace, considering ANOTHER ONE's blinding speed.

Debutant PRIMO SUPREMA has impressed at exercise, warranting banker status in the fifth. However, as tempting as GOD OF LOVE might appear, dropping from $1 million claiming to $500,000 will result in one of two scenarios, a runaway win or a gift horse finishing down the track. When in doubt, spread bets all about.

JIMMIE

REGGAE 6

Race 1: 2

Race 2: 2

Race 3: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9

Race 4: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Race 5: 3

Race 6: 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

TOTAL: $1,800

TWILIGHT 6

Race 5: 3

Race 6: 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

Race 7: 3

Race 8: 11

Race 9: 4

Race 10: 1, 5, 6, 8, 11

TOTAL: $300

BONUS BETS

KETCH 9

Race 2: 2

Race 3: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9

Race 4: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Race 5: 3

Race 6: 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

Race 7: 3

Race 8: 11

Race 9: 4

Race 10: 1, 5, 6, 8, 11

TOTAL: $4,500

BEST THREE

Race 7: Danka

Race 8: She's Dallas Love

Race 9: Commandant

OUTSIDER:

Race 6: Bad Investment