California Crown, Bootylicious clash in Supreme Ventures Trophy

The Supreme Ventures 8th Anniversary Trophy takes centre stage at Caymanas Park tomorrow, with a talented field of six horses set to clash in the Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest.

The three-year-olds and upward will compete over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m), promising an exhilarating affair from start to finish. Two standout runners, California Crown and Bootylicious, are expected to dominate the proceedings.

Here’s a closer look at each contender:

1. CALIFORNIA CROWN: (4 ch c by Hedge Fund – Dream Big) – Following a two-race winning streak, California Crown finished third in the Chairman’s Trophy over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m) on February 22. Although he wasn’t favoured to win, he performed admirably, finishing 7 ½ lengths behind Barnaby and
Atomica. With a previous victory over this distance in 1:05.4, California Crown has a strong chance of winning.

2. BOOTYLICIOUS: (5 b m by Key to Power – Keep the Faith) – Riding a three-race winning streak,
Bootylicious is the favourite to win. Her most recent outing was on February 9 in the Reggae Month Trophy over the 5-straight (1,000m) course, where she triumphed in a swift 58.2. Having also won over this distance on December 24, 2024, in 1:05.4, Bootylicious is poised for success if she can secure an uncontested lead.

The remaining contenders face an uphill battle:

3. INSPIRE FORCE (USA): (5 ch h by Union Jackson – Exotic Design) – A recent winner, but unlikely to repeat.

4. DIGITAL ONE (USA): (4 b f by Uncle Lino – Legal Redemption) – Faces significant competition and is expected to struggle.

5. LABAN: (8 b h by Sensational Slam – For Trixie) – Has little chance of winning.

6. ATLANTIC CONVOY (CAN): (5 ch h by Stormy Atlantic – My Sweet Emily) – Can only hope for a minor placing.

— Ruddy Allen