Divine Force to rule on World Vet Day

PHILIP FEANNY summoning claiming rider Tyrese Anderson to replace Raddesh Roman's second-call retainer aboard DIVINE FORCE may very well make the difference between winning and losing Saturday's World Vet Day Trophy at a mile.

Roman was originally listed on the overnight with a second-call retainer aboard DIVINE FORCE, who he had partnered to a third-place run behind NEO STAR and Monday's Easter Sprint Cup winner, MAHOGANY, at seven and a half furlongs in division one of the King's Plate a month ago.

Shown with a first-call retainer aboard RHYTHM BUZZ, Roman stays put aboard Vincent Atkinson's charge, clearing the way for Feanny to seek a replacement.

Feanny, a stickler for weight, opted for Anderson, whose claim will take DIVINE FORCE down to 112lb, the lightest the five-year-old American has been in two starts since chasing home Mouttet Mile fifth-placed TIZ TOK in the Lindy Delapenha Memorial on February 23.

The significant weight relief puts DIVINE FORCE eight pounds lighter than fellow American SHEER DELIGHT, who he had finished a length and three-quarter ahead of when second to TIZ TOK in the Delapenha Memorial when allowed 11lb by his fellow American.

Feanny must have done his math for the World Vet Day, DIVINE FORCE returning three pounds heavier but with a length and three-quarter margin over SHEER DELIGHT at the exact distance of the Delapenha Memorial.

Returning with visor removed and Anderson's six-pound claim, DIVINE FORCE was previously sharpened at five furlongs straight on April 6, digging in for fifth behind back-to-form CHAMPION BUBBLER at five furlongs straight, a trip way too sharp for the proven middle-distance runner.

Carrying only five pounds more than when he had pulled clear of SHEER DELIGHT inside the last furlong for second behind TIZ TOK, DIVINE FORCE should use the handicaps and extended trip to outfinish his compatriot.