by asian, zone Racing Writer

TRAINER Gresford Smith has a double lined up on tomorrow's 11-race card, which could be the key for punters chasing the $6.725 million Pick-9 carryover at Caymanas Park.

Smith has RAINBOW TRAIN as his pet trip of 1820 metres, the third event, the Pick-9 opener, as well as NUMERO UNO in the following race, both horses down to be partnered by Carlton Malcolm, the trainer's favoured rider.

Pick-9 players hunting bankers should take their chances with Smith as both horses are down in class, having run useful races at higher levels after being pushed up in class off claims.

RAINBOW TRAIN placed eight lengths fourth behind SHAHID at 1820 metres on March 15 on a $285,000 tag. Taken to task at exercise since that run at his favourite distance, the late-kicking mare has looked sharp and will be closing too fast for her six rivals when she comes calling in the stretch run.

HIGH GRADE, another down-in-class and late runner, has been rounding into form and could be the only threat to RAINBOW TRAIN after placing third behind SAMMY OH SO and CAPTAIN BONE at 1500 metres last Saturday.

NUMERO UNO, claimed by Smith for $350,000 on March 12, returns to the level after spending the mandatory 'month in jail', running an even race for fourth behind TWENTY NINE on a $440,000 tag last week.

Now back down in class at his favourite distance, NUMERO UNO looks set to land the gamble for Smith, giving Pick-9 players the perfect start in their hunt for what could be an $8 million jackpot.


Jackpots at $7.2m

With the Super-6 set to start at the fifth event with its $500,000 guarantee, punters will be chasing $7.2 million in jackpots tomorrow. Last Saturday's opening Super-6 paid a little over $39,000 but the closing game returned a whopping $516,584.50 each to three winning tickets.

Gregory Bucknor's LITTLERICHBOY is a good bet at 2000 metres for Super-6 players seeking a starting banker. Pick-9 players should also capitalise on LITTLERICHBOY, who has been losing to smart rivals in recent races and should get off the mark against lesser horses.

Superstakes winner MAJOR MAYER should not be opposed in the seventh event for the Legal Light Trophy over 1820 metres despite the presence of old rival ALLIEDFORCE. His pace should prove too strong in a small field of slower horses, allowing him an unmolested lead.

Trainer Tensang Chung's TOKEN is well drawn in the eighth at 1000 metres` straight should be rewarded for his consistency in the eighth event.

EXPLOSIVE PEAK also appears to be a solid banker in the 10th for the Howard Hamilton Trophy, carrying only 53.0 kilos among Overnight Allowance horses at 1000 metres straight.