THE hottest two-year-old of last season, American-bred MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE, has been working like a bomb for his three-year-old debut in tomorrow's eighth event, a 1300-metre overnight allowance for the Ash Wednesday Trophy.

The Tony Kirlew-trained bay colt is unbeaten in five consecutive races, the last being the December 22 Sweet Ruckus Trophy in which he clocked 1:24.4 for 1400 metres, romping home unchallenged by 11 lengths.

MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE had clockers looking on in awe last Thursday morning as he reeled off six furlongs in 1:13.2, declaring himself a five-star banker for the Ash Wednesday feature.

It should be easy pickings for champion jockey Omar Walker aboard MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE. He could choose either to sit off the pace or send the American to the front from the off, either way, he won't be beaten.

ANTIOCH has speed but won't last the distance whereas MACHISMO can't outfinish MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE, even if he gets first run at the top of the lane.

At least two jockeys have doubles lined up on the nine-race card whereas Canada-based veteran, Roderick 'Teddy' DaCosta, should win the fifth astride ERGASIA.

Paul Francis should claim an early double, NAHIMA in the opening event at nine furlongs and RIVIERE in the third at six furlongs. Meanwhile, apprentice Richard Mairs should catch rivals with COBRA in the 1100-metre fourth event before returning in the sixth aboard TOBAGO who will be tough to beat at a mile.

racing prominently

Claimed by Gary Griffiths on February 16, NAHIMA is back among $250,000 runners after racing prominently to the half mile when going 1820 metres last time out in the company of out-of-class IVAN THE TERRIBLE, the stayer MYRTLE WAY and super-fit SHARRUKIN.

She faces a much easier line-up tomorrow and need only repeat her January 15 effort, beaten a half length by HEY TRAIN at 1700 metres, to easily open the card.

Although still lightly trained, RIVIERE's January 22 victory showed that he doesn't have to be ripped in the mornings to produce on racedays. He sprinted away from rivals at the top of the lane when winning in 1:27.0 and looks too fast for DA BOOM to catch at 1200 metres.

In the fourth event, there is no holding speed to deny COBRA's late rush at what seems a half furlong too short for him.

However, in his last two races, six-furlong events, he just failed to catch REGIONAL CHARMER on January 8 and was a two-length winner over MOLTEN KING on November 12.

TOBAGO's stalking backstretch pace, strong kick off the turn and sustained gallop in the straight, makes him hard to beat in the sixth at a mile where he has beaten most of his rivals in recent races. Barring HE'S A DREAMER, a risky proposition leaving the gate, TOBAGO looks safe.