Yvonne Mattis Trophy to create five-way showstopper

SATURDAY’s YVONNE Mattis Trophy has the makings of a tricky affair in which any of five runners – SUNSET SILHOUTTE, INSPIRE FORCE, RAINSVILLE, ALL FOR LOVE, and STOMP THE RHYTHM – could strike at the drop of a hat.

ALL FOR LOVE and SUNSET SILHOUTTE, the pair with best recent form, recently exchanged three-length margins in defeat behind SONNY T AND CHIPPY and GET A PEPSI at contrasting trips last month.

Both will appreciate nine furlongs on Saturday in what should be a moderate pace. Champion trainer Jason DaCosta has strategically called in Panamanian Josue Osorio to partner SUNSET SILHOUTTE for the rematch with ALL FOR LOVE.

However, any of United States-bred INSPIRE FORCE, RAINSVILLE and STOMP THE RHYTHM could crash the form horses’ party.

United States-bred INSPIRE FORCE returned off a seven-month lay-up in March and is seemingly getting fitter with each run. He made up a tremendous amount of ground last time out at six-and-a-half furlongs – after being hopelessly tailed off down the backstretch – behind GET A PEPSI in the Temperence Oaks Trophy, making him a dangerous closer should he get a better start and slower pace.

RAINSVILLE was all the rage at the back end of last season, closing out back-to-back wins by finishing rapidly to deny NEO STAR at nine furlongs and 25 yards in the Chairman’s Plate on Mouttet Mile Day. Though he has failed to fire in three races this season, RAINSVILLE should not be written off. The grey gelding galloped seven furlongs in 1:30.2 two Sundays past, suggesting he is in good shape.

STOMP THE RHYTHM, a half-brother to recent Legal Light Trophy winner, RHYTHM BUZZ, is second-time-out off a seven-month lay-up, renewing rivalry with SUNSET SILHOUTTE, who he had beaten in a three-way photo to win last year’s Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association of Jamaica Trophy at nine furlongs and 25 yards.

After repeating, almost a month to the day, among non-winners-of-four races, STOMP THE RHYTHM attempted the hat-trick six days later but was stopped by MINIATURE MAN on his overnight allowance debut. He eventually conquered the level in August by chasing down speedy importee LUKSOL at seven furlongs.

Noted galloping out the gate at exercise last month, STOMP THE RHYTHM clocked an eye-catching 1:00.1 for five furlongs straight, a week before reporting off lengthy lay-up. Considering the speed he has shown at exercise, STOMP THE RHYTHM could slip away from his slower rivals and steal the Yvonne Mattis from in front.