Masqueraders literally pumped their flags and rolled on the ground as they pranced across one of the main judging points at downtown South Quay, Port-of-Spain, during Carnival Tuesday celebrations. It was Machel Montano’s Pump your Flag and Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez’ Miss Behave, which seemed to be running neck and neck for the 2012 Road March title. Following close behind is Iwer George’s No Pain.Some may argue that George’s song could be the second runner-up, but according to sounds of downtown mas yesterday, the race was between Montano and Fay Ann. In the latter part of the evening, band after band played Pump Yuh Flag and Miss Behave, one after the other. The two popular soca tunes had masqueraders in a frenzy. Those who were daring enough, released all inhibitions and misbehaved, as they rolled on the road, unconcerned about the dirty road or even risking being trampled on by others.

Several DJ’s at South Quay, Port-of-Spain, when asked how they went about selecting the tune to cross the stage, said the masqueraders requested the song they wanted to jump to, while on stage. But by the sound of it, Montano’s Pump Yuh Flag may be leading the way. The Soca king might definitely cop the three Carnival soca titles for 2012. Montano has already taken the Soca Monarch and the Groovy titles and is just looking for one more title to take it all away. When asked to give an average count to determine who was in the lead, the judges were tight-lipped about the figures. They said they were unable to disclose such information. But according to the Guardian’s rough count, just between the hours of 3 pm and 6 pm, Montano’s Pump Yuh flag played seven times, Fay Ann's Miss Behave played about five, while Iwer’s No Pain was heard about twice. Montano’s Revelling played once, while traditional bands like Belmont Original Stylish Sailor, portraying Festivals of the World, chipped to Kerwin Du Bois’ Bacchanalist and Super Jigga TC’s Action. The official results will be released today.