Don’t bank on ‘claiming settlers’

SHE'S NAE NAE popping up at 10-1 last Saturday to sink most Reggae 6 bets at odds of 10-1 was a stark reminder that unless presented with an outright down-in-class option, claiming settlers, horses of no foreseeable improvement, should never be used as bankers.

It is no coincidence why these runners are strategically placed at the Reggae 6 opener, presenting a jigsaw for form players, baiting 'experts' into trying to predict health in the absence of form.

Hence, Sunday's opening event should be treated with caution. No matter how salacious ESUSE ME GOODBY might appear on form, pay no mind to STORM VALLEY failing to finish on last. It sounds crazy but it is better to be safe than sorry. Also use GALWAY BAY for the mere fact that the last time he ran on a $180,000 ticket he was unsaddled in the winners' enclosure.

Though they might not be running as claimers in the second event at four furlongs straight, five-year-olds, non-winners of three races, are merely older versions of settlers a grade above $180,000 claiming. It's a tricky event in which BLUE SKY, JUST MOVE IN, DIAMOND ROCK and ADENOSINE are must-carry runners in the blink sprint.

Similarly, speed might be the order of the day in the third at five furlongs straight but health is always the main factor in determining a horse's winning chances, not form, which was left on the track the last time it raced.

Therefore, any of PHOENIX RISEN, UNRULY BOSS or CATABA could turn up unbeatable, notwithstanding recent form.

Choosing bankers is part-art, part-guts and part-form. FROM SHEER TO BEN has no form to recommend out of his last race, finishing down the track at five furlongs straight among $550,000 claimers on August 10. Though he returns with no exercise gallop to his credit after being certified lame by the vet, FROM SHEER TO BEN's previous efforts were decent and his last win was at the trip.

Sneaking in on a $300,000 tag, FROM SHEER TO BEN should either be turned back by the vet if he is unsound or win as far as one can throw a stone if he takes his place in the line-up.

The fifth event for four-year-old maidens, potential, $250,000 claimers, is a minefield and should be navigated with caution. JACK DANIEL, CASSINI, CLOWNING AROUND and ROARING THUNDER are all possibilities at seven furlongs.

If there's ever a banker, HIMAYA is the horse to be on in the fillies-only Reggae 6 closer for three-year-old maidens at six and a half furlongs. The roan closed willingly behind FAITH DOWNIE at six furlongs on September 21, making her the horse to beat at a half-furlong longer.

JIMMIE

REGGAE 6

Race 1: 3, 4, 8

Race 2: 1, 2, 4, 5

Race 3: 4, 5, 6

Race 4: 6

Race 5: 3, 4, 5, 9

Race 6: 6

TOTAL: $1,440

TWILIGHT 6

Race 4: 6

Race 5: 3, 4, 5, 9

Race 6: 6

Race 7: 2, 3

Race 8: 1, 3, 6, 7, 9

Race 9: 3

TOTAL: $400

PLACEPOT 8

Race 2: 1, 2, 4, 5

Race 3: 4, 5, 6

Race 4: 6

Race 5: 3, 4, 5, 9

Race 6: 6

Race 7: 2, 3

Race 8: 1, 3, 6, 7, 9

Race 9: 3

TOTAL: $4,800

BEST THREE

Race 4: From Sheer To Ben

Race 6: Himaya

Race 9: Digital One

OUTSIDER:

Race 8: Miss Lynton