California Crown, Fit to Fire showdown promises fireworks

Down-in-class CALIFORNIA CROWN galloped a bullet 1:05.1 for five and a half furlongs at exercise, prepping for his clash with American import FIT TO FIRE, who makes his second local appearance in Sunday’s Vassell ‘Jolly Man’ Najair Memorial.

A Florida-bred gelding with three wins on that circuit under his girth, FIT TO FIRE went off as the 4-5 favourite on his local debut but was taken out by a fellow American, OF A REVOLUTION, in an overnight-allowance event at six and a half furlongs on September 26.

A winner of his last two races in Florida, both at six furlongs, beating US$8,000 claimers at Gulfstream Park in May and US$10,000 sellers at Tampa Bay in April, FIT TO FIRE took over from OF A REVOLUTION down the backstretch but surrendered the lead when his rival made a bid three furlongs out.