Tuff Raggs sets sights on Easter Handicap

All eyes will be on the 5-year-old USA bred gelding, Tuff Raggs, when he lines up for the Easter Handicap at the Garrison Savannah on Saturday.

The Easter Handicap for 3-year-olds and older rated 75-57 horses will go 1570 metres and is the final race on the 7-race card. It is scheduled to run off at 5:30 p.m. and carries a purse of $17 000.

Trained by William Clarke, Tuff Raggs along with Noah David are the two highest rated horses at 75. He is coming off a third place finish at the last race day behind Ares and Mirror of the Sky.

Since coming to Barbados, Tuff Raggs, who is owned by Steve Samaroo, has two wins, placed second twice, finished third on three occasions and one fourth place finish in his 10 starts.

Apprentice Matthew Badal will have the ride at 128 pounds.

Trainer Kenny John who won the feature race with Ares last race day, will be looking to repeat his success when he saddles Jericho, the oldest horse in the race at nine-years-old.

Owned by Devere Davis, Jericho finished ahead of Tuff Raggs in their last encounter.

Eric Daniel has the ride from Gate 6 at 126 pounds.

Michal from the Robert Peirce barn, showed his quality when he defeated a field that included Caballito, Filmores, Indelible and Ares – all of whom are in the field – on February 10 at 1800 meters.

Michal returned on March 2, where he finish third in the Tanglewood Stakes at 2000 meters, leaving Indelible, Filmores and Caballito behind him again.

Rasheed Hughes will be in the saddle from Gate 7 at 119 pounds.

The Gay Smith Barn-owned Super Model finished runner-up in the Tanglewood Stakes this year, and will be going into Saturday’s race with two second place finishes in her last two starts.

However, she has not won a race since June 2023, when she defeated Michal at 1570 metres.

Super Model has Antonio Bishop onboard at 119 pounds from Gate 11.

Indelibl, Caballito, Filmores, Zazzy, Zahaan, Noah David, Matilda and Rene complete the field.

My selection: Tuff Raggs, Jericho, Michal, Super Model.

Post time for race 1 is 2 p.m.

By Kent Layne