KINGSTON, Jamaica - The time is nigh, as 12 native-bred three year olds face each other for top honours in the $4.5-million, 10-furlong (2,000m) Jamaica St Leger, presented by BetMakers at Caymanas Park tomorrow (July 3).
The Jamaica St Leger is the second jewel in the Triple Crown series of races and will see 1000 Guineas winner She’s A Wonder and 2000 Guineas winner Miniature Man meeting for the first time.
These are the only two horses among the 12 with an opportunity to be crowned a Triple Crown champion. Or will there will be a spoiler?
Below, is the horse by horse analysis.
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PRINCE MARSHALL: (3 ch c by War Marshall – Princess Shine) – Prince Marshall has done nothing in his short career to suggest that he has a chance of even finishing among the earners. Prince Marshall races with Lasix.
- SANTORINI: (3 ch c by Soul Warrior - Milestone) – Since his maiden win a long time ago, Santorini has failed to carry on with a string of disappointing runs. Santorini should enjoy this trip but based on his current form, is going to be outclassed.
- MINIATURE MAN: (3 ch g by Northern Giant – Runaway Gal) – The horse they will have to beat in this St Leger. Miniature Man has made significant improvement since the start of this year. Following his recent 2000 Guineas victory, Miniature Man has trained on well, and based on how he runs his races will be suited by the two turns of this Classic. Look for Miniature Man to settle in mid-pack down the backstretch before making his signature (burst) move with three to four furlongs left in the contest.
- SIMBA THE LION: (3 ch c by Lion Tamer – Whisper) – With one win from two starts going against multiple winners, Simba The Lion’s roar will be muted.
- AMY THE BUTCHER: (3 gr f by Deputy Glitters – Asia’s Dream) – Ran a brave race to finish second behind She’s A Wonder in the recent 1000 Guineas at a mile when she came from behind horses to get beaten by 7 ½ lengths. Amy The Butcher is a hard-knocking campaigner who always fights to the end. Expect another courageous effort from Amy The Butcher, who should carry home some earnings for her connections.
6. BERN NOTICE: (3 ch c by Bern Identity – Blufield) – Finished fifth in the 2000 Guineas (June 5) and his chances are he will earn again but not the first-place amount. Interestingly, Bern Notice is the only horse in this year’s St Leger to run over two turns (nine furlongs and 25 yards) before and as such is sure to enjoy the longer distance on offer tomorrow. Watch Bern Notice.
- SHE’S A WONDER: (3 b f by Bern Identity – Jamaican Dream) – Brilliant filly who is unbeaten this season with five wins from five starts. She’s A Wonder conquered all other fillies in winning the 1000 Guineas on June 5 over one mile and has been working well coming into this race and will just about get the distance of the St Leger. Whether she can beat her male counterparts, that is left to be seen. She’s A Wonder will more than likely set the early fractions and hopefully will be judiciously guided down the backstretch by her young rider. Thereafter, She’s A Wonder will gradually extend her lead and it will be left up to the rest to catch her. Of special note, She’s A Wonder races with the blinkers off.
- FURTHER AND BEYOND: (3 ch c by Blue Pepsi Lodge – Rumble) – Champion two-year-old from last season who got his unbeaten run this season cut when finishing third in the 2000 Guineas by 3 ¼ lengths. Further and Beyond broke last in the 2000, then got pinned down on the inside rails down the backstretch, and by the time he got going, both Miniature Man and Nuclear Noon were long gone. There is no question that Further and Beyond is going to get this trip and based on the nature of the race, this talented far-striding colt is going to mount a much better challenge. He will be close to the pace before moving into closer contention rounding the half-mile turn.
- T BRADY: (3 b by Silent Valor – Burning Clearance) – Will find these too hot to handle.
- CALCULUS: (3 b c by Sensational Slam – Trinket Box) – Disappointed in the 2000 Guineas when finishing in seventh place. Calculus who now takes training orders from Gary Subratie is another runner who is going to love this distance but is not expected to trouble the principals. Calculus races with the figure-8 on.
- SECRET IDENTITY: (3 b f by Bern Identity – Pomeroy’s Secret) – Has some ability but is going to be left behind.
- NUCLEAR NOON: (3 b c by Nuclear Wayne – Noon It Is) – Ran very well on last in the 2000 Guineas, battling with Miniature Man from three furlongs out only to be outdone by 1 ¼ lengths. If Nuclear Noon returns in the same spirit, expect him to fight it out where it matters most. If ever there was a rake, Nuclear Noon was drawn in the same post-position 12 for the 2000 Guineas.
