Jericho headlines seven for St Valentine Handicap

Trainer Kenny John will saddle Jericho who will be the headline act among seven in the St Valentine Handicap on Saturday, the second day of the 2022 season at the Garrison Savannah. The St Valentine Handicap will go 1100 meters and is race seven on the eight-race card. It carries a purse of $17 000 and is slated for 4:55p.m.

Jericho started off as the leading three-year-old of 2018, winning the Hopeful Stakes and The Bajan Blue Restaurant Trophy before injury put an end to his three-year-old classic campaign. He won the co-feature Past President Handicap last race day going 1100 making all the running from Ceroc and Marengo and earning his sixth win in 22 starts. Owned and bred by George Devere Davis, Jericho will be coming down to 111Ibs this race day having won last race day with 120Ibs. N’ Rico Prescod will be in the saddle.

Marengo owned by Steve and Allen Madoo finished two and a half lengths back in third place behind Jericho, suffering his second loss at 1100 meters, andwill be back for revenge.

The Jamaica-bred six-year-old bay son of American Dance has three career wins since coming to Barbados from Trinidad and Tobago and they all were at the 1100-meter trip.

Marengo defeated his stablemate Rio Ponti on October 30 and the two will clash again. Apprentice Raheem Thorpe has the call on Marengo at 110Ibs.

Robert Peirce will send out Rio Ponti which ran second to the Kenny John-trained Inspired Adventure last race day in the feature race the BTC 117th Anniversary Handicap, and will be looking to defeat Marengo this time round. Rio Ponti defeated Marengo on November 13 last year in his second race start since coming to Barbados going 1570 and will be looking for his first 1100-meter start. Rey Williams will ride Rio Ponti at 115Ibs.

Whatyouthink, Sir Jimmy, Stealin and Kariba Rose complete the field. Post time for race 1 is 1:30 p.m.