Demolition Man returns as Chief of Staff exits Triple Crown opener

The country’s only Triple Crown champion, Demolition Man, has been added to the list of thoroughbreds contesting the Black Pineapple Stakes, while one of its main rivals, Chief of Staff, will now miss what is the first instalment of the Antigua Triple Crown Series scheduled for Sunday at the Cassada Gardens Race Track.
This was confirmed by President of the Antigua Turf Club (ATC) and trainer of Chief of Staff, Neil Cochrane, who said last Monday’s postponement, due to rain, has impacted both positively and negatively on the event.
“The rain has been good and it has not been so good in terms of our preparations at Cassada Gardens. Good from the standpoint where I believe there is a strong case for Demolition Man. He would have been out if we had run on Easter Monday but he is exercising. I saw him yesterday [Monday] morning and he is looking very good,” he said.
“They also have another newly imported thoroughbred which could make his debut this race day, not necessarily in the Triple Crown but in another race and his name is the Prince of Wadadli,” he added.
Chief of Staff, Cochrane said, will however be adequately replaced for the important race.
“I can tell you now that the Chief of Staff will not be on the cards this coming Sunday but the Chief Rocker Stables is very confident and we are contented and happy with his replacement which is going to be the First Lady and we believe that ladies will rule,” he said.
Owner of Demolition Man and the First Triple Crown Stables, Jerry Roberts, confirmed that the horse, initially ruled out with an injury, is now fit and ready for the track.
“The rain that came [Easter weekend] has enabled him to overcome his injury for the most part and he will be running. The last time I saw him personally on the track was Sunday morning and he was very eager in his exercise which is a good sign and probably the best sign a trainer could see; I think he is back to his old form,” Roberts said.
Sunday’s event is slated to start at noon.