The horses will be off and running at the Randall “Doc” James Race Track for the annual Christmas races on Monday, December 26, 2011, on what looks to be a well matched, 11-race card put together by TRAXCO.

Selvin and Political Reporter at the finish.

An expected huge crowd will enjoy 75 thoroughbreds doing battle on Monday, and many will be coming to see the rematch of Diablo’s Fire and Slevin in the featured 10th race of the day, “The Governors Christmas Classic” run at a distance of 1-1/8 miles for a purse of $7,000.00.

Last race day, Diablo’s Fire of St. Thomas came from off the pace to blow by the highly acclaimed Slevin in the stretch to win in front of a stunned grandstand of local fans. The argument was that Slevin was off his game on that day, so Monday should prove whether Diablo’s Fire’s win was a fluke or not.

There are five other thoroughbreds entered in this race, but it will be tough to see any of them beating the top two.

The best of the rest is Erie’s Run. He can compete if he brings his A-game, but he has to be much better than his last race day.

Expect Smoke is another classy horse that seems to be out of form, but could compete if he is ready.

Black Jack Bob should relish the distance but the old warrior is stepping up in class, as is Black Machine. The field would have to all collapse for either of these two to win.

The big question mark is Bid D, who will be making his Virgin Islands debut. The word on him is that he is a respectable thoroughbred, but he may not want the 1-1/8 miles distance. Race fans will see on Monday.

The rest of the day’s Card:

Race 1 Class N-6 C/G –M/F 5F, $3,500

• 1. Gold Sizzler
• 2. Yahboribos Weapon
• 3. Polo Matches (Debut)
• 4. Cruzan Emerald
• 5. Master Deposit (STT)(Debut)
• 6. Mr. Yard (Debut)

Race 2 Class I-5 NWRS & I-6 7F $3,500

• 1. Thanks McGiverin
• 2. Itsmidas
• 3. Robadorable
• 4. Rey De los Ricos
• 5. Spitfire Red
• 6. Star Stripe (Debut)
• 7. Utuado City
• 8. Far Rumor

Race 3 Class I-5(M/F) 7-1/2F, $4,000

• 1. Apron Dance
• 2. M J Kailahsafe
• 3. Dance Mistress
• 4. Paul’s Gift
• 5. Cool Light
• 6. Dorado Missile
• 7. Sarasota May Bell
• 8. YIMC Sword

Race 4 Class I-5 C/G 1M $4,000

• 1. Tulsa Boy
• 2. A Bit Of Madness
• 3. Full House Project
• 4. Game Winner (Debut)
• 5. Halo Boudreaux
• 6. Winning Actor (STT)
• 7. Big Thundar Reflec
• 8. Ala Cat

Race 5 “OpenV.I. Bred” 1-1/8 M $4,500

• 1. Irie Ites
• 2. Creation Rebel
• 3. Midnight Indictment
• 4. Express To Cali
• 5. Prince Crystal
• 6. Dinero
• 7. From Emeralds to Ruby

Race 6 Class I-3-4 C/G 1M $4,300

• 1. Green Sand
• 2. Guiltless
• 3. Going Blue
• 4. Salty’s Glider
• 5. San Viron
• 6. According to Jesus
• 7. Sum Splendor (STT)

Race 7 “HOVENSA CUP” 1-1/8M, $6,000

• 1. Joe Boss
• 2. Love City Slew (STT)
• 3. Omayra’s Pride
• 4. Jahlisarose
• 5. Hanna Boss

Race 8 “Jingle Bell Special” 1M $4,500

• 1. Sweet Sight (STT)(Debut)
• 2. Bruno’s Burst
• 3. Groomsman
• 4. Lost River
• 5. Puerto Rican Emblem
• 6. Trouble at Home

Race 9 Cruzan Rum (M/F) 1-1/8M $4,300

• 1. Rasta Queen
• 2. Prodefrere
• 3. Destiny Arrival
• 4. Rocky Miswaki (STT)
• 5. Leggy Blonde
• 6. Whoshotthesheriff
• 7. Tumbleweeds’roses (Debut)

Race 10 (see article, above)

Race 11 Class N-4-5C/GM/F 7-1/2F $3,600

• 1. Super Pop
• 2. Miss Kosi
• 3. Kings of Kings
• 4. Small Fortune
• 5. Gold Finger