KINGSTON, Jamaica - Following the impressive win by Allegiance on Saturday, January 6, 2024, trainer Anthony Nunes has high hopes for the three-year-old chestnut colt to advance further and become a notable competitor in the racing world.
The young colt's victory occurred during a Maiden Condition race for native-bred three-year-olds, covering a distance of 7 furlongs. Allegiance, the progeny of Midnight Hawk and Princess Geeta, secured the win with a 3-length lead, clocking in at 1:30.0, with splits of 24.0, 48.1, and 1:14.3.
Nunes expressed his confidence in Allegiance's abilities, particularly after a strong second-place finish over 6 furlongs on December 30, 2023, behind Princess Amahle.
"This race was always the target for him. Last week, we entered him in a less competitive race with an imported filly participating, rather than just training him over six furlongs that morning. He performed admirably, finishing second, quite a way behind a promising filly.
“Allegiance emerged from that race in top form, so we decided to run him in this one. It's unusual for us to race our three-year-olds with only a week's rest, but he recovered so well and was in such good spirits," Nunes explained.
Nunes also extended his gratitude to the owners of Yardie Stables, highlighting their investment in the team two years prior with the purchase of three weanlings, of which Allegiance was one, marking their first victory.
"The support from Yardie Stables, a group of 15 men and women, is tremendous. It's wonderful for the sport when a community can share in the joy. We're optimistic about Allegiance's potential for improvement and we're taking it one step at a time," added Nunes.
With Raddesh Roman in the saddle, Allegiance swiftly hit his stride right out of the gate, seizing command of the race early on. He maintained a strong pace along the backstretch, ultimately accelerating past his competitors in the final stretch to clinch his maiden win after three starts.
Blu Sensation, ridden by Dane Dawkins, took second place, and Oil Machine, with Tevin Foster aboard, finished third.
