The 2026 racing season is already in full swing, with six race days completed and the narrative beginning to take shape. Attention now turns to the three-year-olds, whose progress is under the microscope as the Classic season looms ever closer. The first two stepping stones on the road to the coveted Triple Crown are set for this weekend: the fillies-only Eight Thirty Sprint and the colts-and-geldings Mercury Sprint.
The Eight Thirty Sprint, carded as race nine on Saturday, February 8, will see ten three-year-old fillies line up over five furlongs straight. Below, The Quick Galloper presents its analysis in post-position order.
1 – BEHAVE
Bay filly (April 28) by Conquest Cherimash out of Bedroom Chatter
Trainer: Barrington Bernard
Jockey: Richie Shakes
Making her debut, Behave has shown encouraging signs in morning exercise. However, the transition from gallops to race-day competition is a demanding one, and she may need more time to fully blossom.
2 – ANOTHER QUALITY
Chestnut filly (May 8) by Sensational Slam out of Naturally Mystical
Trainer: Oral Hayden
Jockey: Raddesh Roman
Another Quality has made steady progress across four starts. She possesses natural speed, though her inside draw could prove challenging down the straight. A live contender for the minor placings and a solid option for exotic wagers.
3 – MY FRIEND MICKI
Bay filly (Jan 21) by Savoy Stomp out of Bubbling Angeline
Trainer: Gary Griffiths
Jockey: Jaheim Anderson
Note: Blinkers on, figure eight off
Consistency has been her hallmark, finishing fourth in four of her last five outings. The equipment changes signal intent from connections, and My Friend Micki could edge closer this time.
4 – QUEEN MAJESTY
Bay filly (April 20) by Strikewhileitshot out of Valley Of Queens
Trainer: Edward Stanberry
Jockey: Jordan Barrett
With only one start under her belt, Queen Majesty remains a work in progress. She is still learning the ropes and will benefit from further racing experience.
5 – LEXI LOU
Bay filly (June 3) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Herroyalhighness
Trainer: Gary Subratie
Jockey: Dane Dawkins
Note: Visor on
Lexi Lou has shown steady improvement with each run. The addition of a visor could sharpen her focus, and she looks poised to play a meaningful role in the outcome.
6 – MISS VERONICA
Bay filly (March 13) by Savoy Stomp out of Carolina Trist
Trainer: Ricardo Brown
Jockey: Rudolph Paige
Still inexperienced after just one start, Miss Veronica is on a developmental path. More racing will be required before she can challenge the leading contenders.
7 – MELBA’S CHOICE
Bay filly (March 4) by Conquest Cherimash out of Miss Chestnut
Trainer: Saqlain Roman
Jockey: Shavon Townsend
From the dam of Triple Crown winner Mark My Word, Melba’s Choice carries a distinguished pedigree. Yet, raw talent alone is not enough—she remains a filly in need of time and patience to mature.
8 – CATALEYA
Bay filly (March 6) by Casual Trick out of Unpredictable
Trainer: Michael Marlowe
Jockey: Dane McKenzie
Note: Tongue-tie on, first-time Lasix
Her debut was underwhelming, but connections have made notable adjustments with Lasix and a tongue-tie. Improvement is possible, though she still has ground to make up on the principals.
9 – ANOTHER WOW
Bay filly (April 10) by Casual Trick out of Sarah Barracuda
Trainer: Anthony Nunes
Jockey: Shane Ellis
The standout of the field, Another Wow has finished second in both her starts, displaying consistency and promise. Crucially, she benefits from an advantageous outside draw over the straight course. On form and potential, she is the clear favourite to land the Eight Thirty Sprint.
10 – CALL HER NORRAY
Bay filly (March 25) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Lady Belridge
Trainer: Nicholas Smith
Jockey: Youville Pinnock
A debutante who has impressed in morning drills. Call Her Norray is expected to progress with racing experience, though she may not be ready to trouble the leaders just yet.
The Quick Galloper’s Verdict
The Eight Thirty Sprint serves as an early test for fillies eyeing Classic glory. While several entrants are still finding their footing, Another Wow stands out as the most accomplished and best-positioned to secure victory. Lexi Lou and Another Quality are improving types who should not be overlooked for the minor placings, while My Friend Micki could surprise with her equipment changes.
The road to the Triple Crown begins here, and Another Wow looks primed to take the first significant step.
