Aug. 15, 2007 — Races touted as the "biggest of the year" are slated for Aug. 26th at St. Thomas' Clinton Phipps Racetrack.
Top horses such as St. Thomas champion Kentucky Kris, Vivid Cat and Emilin have tentatively been placed on the race card, which should feature five or six races.
Rivals MeKelly and Man the Torpedos could also be lined up for another heated match. Representatives from the St. Thomas-St. John Horse Owner's Association anticipate the horses' performance will mirror that of previous track days.
Association President Lauritz David said he is also trying to get horses from Tortola to complete the race card. David also put special emphasis on newcomer Natural Phenomenon, who he expects to give Kentucky Kris a run for his money.
With less than two weeks left to go before the race, both owners and trainers have kicked their preparations into high gear, with horses keeping up a rigorous physical routine, such as early morning runs on the track and swims at a nearby beach. A little bit of friendly competition has also worked its way into the stables at Clinton Phipps, with Kentucky Kris trainer Dean Schulterbrandt already declaring another victory for his team.
The races are being held as a back-to-school event since local students have been asking for another "day at the track" before the school year starts next month, David said. The event will also feature special performances in between races, making it a "family friendly" environment, he added.
Races are tentatively scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
