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HEROINE walking out of the gate as the 1-2 favourite in Monday's Reggae 6 opener was a stark reminder of why horses changing hands by way of the claim box should never be trusted as bankers, no matter how good they had run from their previous barn.

HEROINE's flop led to HIJO PRIMERO, a 75-1 stunner, who, along with 8-1 shot, EMPRESSINTHEBREEZE, opened and closed the Reggae 6 with deadly effect, ensuring a hefty $244,117 payout.

Weather permitting, Saturday's Reggae 6 opener should not be taken lightly, a middle-distance race in which early speed could make or break the main players. Not knowing the tactics to be employed by riders nor instructions from connections, it is best advised to cover the event with at least four selections.

The eyecatchers are closer ALCHEMY OF SOULS, who has proven suspect to sustained speed; in-the-pace KHALEESI, who afterwards flattens; NO APOLOGY, who could make all if sound and able to shake off I'M OUTSTANDING, the horse with possibly the best form, three consecutive second-pace finishes.

The second and third races also call for multiple selections, at least three apiece. Maiden three-year-olds in late October set off red flags, more so at seven and a half furlongs, requiring the trio of EARMARK BLITZ, KUSMI and SECRET SENSATION to safeguard against any surprise.

Similarly, four-year-olds, non-winners of two races at this time of the year, suggest many will start 2026 as five-year-olds with one win under their girths. Using stablemates NOBLE MONARCH and NOBLE SOVEREIGN, BOMB NIGHT as back-up, should get over the third-race hump.

Roll out back-to-back bankers, UNCLE NALLY and IRISH WISH, in the fourth and fifth, respectively, both races out the straight chute.

Debutant UNCLE NALLY, clocking 47.0 for four furlongs from the gate earlier this month, should take care of his exposed two-year-old peers in the fourth at four and a half furlongs straight.

Similarly, IRISH WISH should prove too speedy for $500,000 claimers at five furlongs straight in the fifth after getting within a length and a half of TALONA at the trip on October 4.

However, take absolutely no chances with the Reggae 6 closer, a five-straight sprinter for $350,000 claimers, who enjoy playing musical chairs. Have no qualms throwing the kitchen sink at the event.

sports@gleanerjm.com

REGGAE 6

Race 1: 2, 3, 7, 8

Race 2: 2, 4, 6

Race 3: 2, 4, 5

Race 4: 6

Race 5: 3

Race 6: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14

TOTAL: $2,880

TWILIGHT 6

Race 5: 3

Race 6: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14

Race 7: 3

Race 8: 3

Race 9: 9

Race 10: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13

TOTAL: $640

KWIK 4

Race 3: 2, 4, 5

Race 4: 6

Race 5: 3

Race 6: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14

TOTAL: $960

STRIKE 4

Race 7: 3

Race 8: 3

Race 9: 9

Race 10: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13

TOTAL: $320

BEST THREE

Race 4: Uncle Nally

Race 5: Irish Wish

Race 7: Mighty Gully

OUTSIDER:

Race 10: Buttercup