KINGSTON, Jamaica - While the ninth race on Saturday, July 20, 2024, is listed as a non-two for locally-bred three-year-olds and a maiden for foreign-bred three-year-olds, no foreigners will face the starters with the withdrawal of Uncle Peck.
That leaves 10 starters going the infrequently used distance of nine and a half furlongs.
The Quick Galloper’s analysis of the 10 entered is provided below.
1 - MIDNIGHT GALAXY is a grey colt (May 31) by Midnight Hawk out of Galaxy Miss, trained by Gresford Smith, with Raddesh Roman riding. This filly has shown a tendency to like the longer distances. She is fit and proper at this stage in her career and with the in-form Raddesh Roman in the saddle, Midnight Galaxy is on the cusp of win number two.
2 - SHANY STAR is a bay filly (April 15) by Savoy Stomp out of Gentle Officer, trained by Lawrence Freemantle with Shane Richardson aboard. Note that Shany Star races with the tongue tie off. Made an encouraging start to her career but has since nosedived. Still needs time.
3 - PRINCESS FIANIE is a bay filly (January 15) by Soul Warrior out of Ship Sham, trained by Rudolph Hardial with Tevin Foster in the saddle. A filly, who is improving, with her best option in this one being a place on the board.
4 - FIRST GRANDSON is a bay colt (February 4) by Casual Trick out of Peyton’s Delight, trained by Patrick Lynch with Jordan Barrett holding the reins. Note that First Grandson races with the blinkers off, the figure eight on, and first-time Lasix. Won on debut (January 21), then returned after a long break on June 29 and was way off the mark. Trying to find his way, and will be outdone by the distance.
5 - MACK AND ROME is a bay colt (February 5) by Bold Conquest out of Gold Miner, trained by Saqlain Roman with Shavon Townsend listed as the designated jockey. Was a complete no-show in the St Leger. Enters non-two for the first time, and will begin a new learning curve.
6 - RACK DEM is a grey filly (April 24) by Midnight Galaxy out of Cherokee Way, trained by Fernando Geddes with Ramon Nepare riding. Was a 13-1 upset winner to break the maiden tag, then was way off when racing in a three-year-old non-two for the first occasion. With his longest trip to date being seven furlongs, 9 ½ furlongs is a daunting prospect.
7 - SUPREMASI is a bay colt (May 12) by Savoy Stomp out of Beware Baby, trained by Anthony Nunes with Matthew Bennett aboard. Went off the rails in the St Leger when much more was expected. Returning to more familiar territory, The Quick Galloper is ready to dismiss that St Leger outing by Supremasi giving him a chance for redemption. He has already won going two turns, and if judiciously and not in a hurried manner his chances are as good as any.
8 - KING PIYE is a chestnut colt (April 2) by Admiral Alex out of Jamaican Pharoah, trained by Anthony Nunes with Omar Walker holding the reins. Since releasing the maiden tag on April 27, King Piye has done nothing to indicate any progress. He will enjoy this extended trip and deserves a shot in the exotics.
9 - UNCLE PECK is a late non-starter.
10 - BATTLE ANGEL is a chestnut filly (May 18) by Bern Identity out of Angel Dreams, trained by Anthony Nunes with Oshane Nugent in the saddle. This a filly who appreciates a distance of ground but will have to find something special to get home in front.
