KINGSTON, Jamaica - The 15 contenders are at the ready for what promises to be a captivating iteration of the Thornbird Stakes, each with their own narrative and potential for glory on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
The Thornbird is for three-year-old fillies over the seven-furlong course.
Below lies The Quick Galloper’s analysis of the entrants:
1 - BUTTERCUP enters the fray as a bay filly (born February 2) sired by Conquest Cherimash with Sharar as the dam, receiving her training under the guidance of Richard Azan, and piloted by jockey Shamaree Muir. A salient point to note is Buttercup's first-time use of Lasix, a change that is anticipated to significantly enhance her performance. Buttercup appears well-suited for the seven-furlong stretch of the Thornbird, and with no pronounced favourite in the competition, she stands as a contender that cannot be summarily dismissed.
2 - COMEHOMETOCOME, a bay filly (born January 19) by Northern Giant out of Heart of Gold, is conditioned by trainer Jason DaCosta with Josue Osorio taking the reins. She is a model of consistency, yet the seven-furlong distance may test her limits.
3 - LUCK IN THE SKY, a bay filly (born March 23) progeny of Liquidity and Tap A Bay Yankee, comes under the care of Jason DaCosta with Roger Hewitt in the driver's seat. She is deemed an unlikely contender for any serious consideration.
4 - RUN JULIE RUN, a gray filly (born May 6) by Successful Native out of Runaway Julie, is prepared by trainer Ian Parsard with Omar Walker at the helm. Noteworthy is the removal of blinkers for this race. With careful preparation aimed at this specific event, her strong runner-up performance in the one-mile Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes signals her affinity for the Thornbird distance. Her third-place finish earlier this year serves as a promising prelude to a potential standout performance among her peers.
5 - BLU SENSATION, a bay filly (born February 12) sired by Sensational Slam and out of Blues In The Grass, receives her conditioning from Peter-John Parsard with jockey Oneil Mullings appointed for the ride. This filly, however, is not considered a principal player in the race.
6 - BATTLE ANGEL, a chestnut filly (born May 18) by Bern Identity out of Angel Dreams, is under the care of trainer Steven Todd with Oshane Nugent listed to ride. Despite a first win in the stewards’ room, surmounting the competition here will prove a formidable challenge.
7 - O SO SMART, is a chestnut filly (born May 24) by Soul Warrior out of Patchwork, trained by Stephen Todd and partnered with jockey Kerry-Gayl Robinson, is one of only two entrants with a pair of victories from five starts. Demonstrating exceptional form recently, O So Smart gives every indication that the seven-furlong stretch will be well within her capability. She warrants close attention, with the jockey selection being the sole point of concern.
8 - MS CHERRY, a bay filly (born March 13) by Sensational Slam and out of Fiftyshadesofray, hails from the barn of Richard Azan with Reyan Lewis taking the ride. Notable are the equipment adjustments, with the tongue tie being applied and the figure eight being removed. Morning training reports suggest that Ms Cherry is in excellent condition and ready to give a formidable performance, with the equipment changes expected to positively influence her showing.
9 - BANADURA, a bay filly (born March 21) by Casual Trick out of Esperanza, is under Jason DaCosta's training with Robert Halledeen up. As the other double-winner in the Thornbird, she triumphed impressively in the 6-furlong Hot Line Stakes, adding a tactical advantage to her repertoire. Known for her early speed, her come-from-behind victory in the Hot Line Stakes paints her as a serious contender for the Thornbird title.
10 - MIDNIGHT FLIGHT, a grey filly (born May 8) by Midnight Hawk out of Honeymoon Bay, is trained by Donovan Plummer with Matthew Bennett in the stirrups. She displayed prodigious talent in her debut, winning impressively by 5 ½ lengths. While the jump from five furlongs to seven is formidable, Midnight Flight's potential should not be underestimated in the unpredictable landscape of the Thornbird Stakes.
11 - LADY LAUREN, a bay filly (born February 27) by Deputy Glitters out of Anna, is conditioned by Stephen Todd with Youville Pinnock steering. Current form suggests that Lady Lauren is unlikely to pose a significant threat.
12 - DON’T TELL LOU LOU is a bay filly (born May 8) by Savoy Stomp out of Lastocka, trained by Alford Brown with Romario Spencer appointed as jockey. Even with blinkers removed for this contest, she does not appear to have a strong chance of triumphing.
13 - AMMA, a bay filly (born February 3) by Bern Identity out of Blufield, receives her training from Ian Parsard with Raddesh Roman in the saddle. She has already demonstrated dominance over the seven-furlong distance this year and continues to impress in morning workouts, positioning her as a formidable presence in the Thornbird.
14 - SHANY STAR, a bay filly (born April 15) by Savoy Stomp out of Gentle Officer, trained by Lawrence Freemantle with Tevin Foster riding. Her impressive victory over 6 ½ furlongs, coupled with subsequent achievements of her competitors, positions her as a serious competitor in the field.
15 - FASTNFURIOUSLINKS, a grey filly (born February 15) by Casual Trick out of Another Fury, is trained by Barrington Bernard with Paul Francis up. The backstretch whispers hint at a fit and primed filly, despite previous disappointments this year. The confidence signaled by the choice of rider suggests that a turnaround performance may be on the horizon.
