It is appropriate, then, that the feature race has been sponsored by the Executors of the late Joan May, a lady who was a great supporter of Jersey racing.
The Glory Bee handicap, named after one of Joan May’s horses, is run over one mile one furlong, fields eight runners all of who seek their first victory of the year.
The appropriately-named Time to Wyn, owned by Westward Racing and trained by Alyson Malzard, may well live up to the expectations that his name implies, for he has run well on the last two occasions.
He is conceding upwards of two stone three pounds to his rivals, the principal ones being Cronkyvoddy, Sky of Hope and Top Pursuit.
Jane Edgar and Johnny Mercier’s Cronkyvoddy has been improving all season, although his performance two weeks ago was not as consistent.
The Joan Le Brocq-trained Sky of Hope has plenty speed over five to seven furlongs and has come down in the handicap since first arriving in Jersey.
Providing he stays nine furlongs he is Time to Wyn’s biggest danger.
Another partnership-owned horse from Colin McCready’s yard is Top Pursuit, who ran very well last time over the minimum trip of five-and-a-half furlongs.
A steady early pace would suit, and he looks a safe each way gamble.
The other four races tomorrow are supported by Ladbrokes.
Four go to post for the Ladbroke’s Handicap Hurdle at 2.30.
A late withdrawal by Rosa Sainte, a five-time winner this year, results in a very open hurdle race with all four having a chance.
UK-trained Pips Assertive Way is a winner this year in the UK and may well start favourite.
In the absence of Rosa Sainte, Koka Fast represents Alyson Malzard’s stable and on this occasion may well be able to improve on a string of third places recently.
Ian Shenkin’s Groomsman won a modest maiden hurdle last time with some dubious jumping, but is a winner on the flat recently over one-and-a-half miles, and thus has the speed if in contention in the final furlong.
It is probable See More Snow will be the outsider of the four, but if he could produce his form of 2004 when he was champion racehorse for trainer Colin McCready he would be the one they all have to beat.
Ladbroke’s again sponsor the seven-furlong event with eight runners.
Top weight Piccled is a relative newcomer to the Island and has to improve on his form of a month ago to be in with a chance tomorrow.
Amanda Simmons’ Missus Links has been a little disappointing this year and it is probably her temperament which gets the better of her, for she has undoubted ability.
The race should develop between Perfect Portrait, Wall Street Runner, Silver Silence and possibly bottom weight I’m Aimee.
Phyllis Somers’ Perfect Portrait is a fairly consistent type and was closing on the first three home in a five-and-a-half furlong event last time.
Lavender Racing Club’s Wall Street Runner was a winner last time and a repeat of that form puts her in with every chance.
Des Ahier’s Silver Silence won over this distance on 23 June, and with a weight advantage tomorrow has another opportunity of proving his ability.
The Ladbrokes Ladies Day Handicap, despite seven runners being involved, does not include the winner and runner up of the Jersey Derby two weeks ago, namely Crossways and Off Minor.
This pair are probably being kept fresh for the coveted Clarendon Trophy on August Bank Holiday.
Nevertheless some useful middle distance performers are included, and it gives Khuzdar the opportunity to score again.
Not the easiest of rides, but if the race is run to his liking, he will take all the beating.
The gallant Minnies Mystery, winner of two races this year under the strong driving of a French jockey, needs to reverse her Jersey Derby form with Khuzdar.
Newcomer Mobus Wan with a UK handicap rating of 60 appears to be in with a chance if his last two performances can be repeated.
Finally, Joan Le Brocq’s two, Tony Tie and Martins Sunset are not to be overlooked.
The last race of the afternoon, over one-and-a-half miles, sees David Evans’ Countrywide Pride attempting to win his fifth race in the Channel Islands this year, and is in with a real chance of winning the title racehorse of the year as a result of the hurdler Rosa Sainte not running earlier.
Despite another six pounds higher in the handicap, as a result of last time’s win, he will be sent off as favourite.
The one who showed much improved form last time was Royal Starlet, who finished third in the Derby which was a non handicap event.
In tomorrow’s company, and running off a rating of only 38 it would be no surprise to see this filly challenging Countrywide Pride.
Of the others Cheeky Girl and Snow Lark have the best credentials to finish in the first three, with Cheeky Girl having won a race earlier in the season.
