KINGSTON, Jamaica - In 2022, Mojito, then a two-year-old, dominated his peers by winning the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes (one mile) and was duly crowned the champion juvenile.
As a three-year-old, Mojito continued his success by winning the Prince Consort (7 furlongs), The Kingston (7 ½ furlongs), and the 2000 Guineas (one mile).
However, he had a disappointing performance in the 10-furlong Jamaica St. Leger, where he finished eighth, nearly 30 lengths behind the winner, Thalita.
Mojito showed signs of returning form in the Jamaica Derby (12 furlongs), where, after setting the pace, he faltered in the stretch and finished fourth.
The grey colt, by Savoy Stomp out of Fiftyshadesofray, trained throughout his career by Richard Azan, on October 15, 2023, faced older horses for the first time in an Overnight Allowance race, finishing a disappointing third, 13 lengths behind Rani Bangala.
He then participated in the Mouttet Mile on December 2, 2023, but was overwhelmed by both his rivals and the significance of the event. It became evident that something was amiss with this talented colt, prompting his connections to allow him time to heal and recover from whatever ailments he had picked up.
This recuperation period lasted 336 days, and Mojito made his long-awaited return on Saturday, November 2, 2024, in an Overnight Allowance race without blinkers, covering six furlongs with Dane Dawkins as the jockey.
Racing against seasoned opponents, Mojito showcased his class and potential. After staying behind the leaders, Dawkins made his move near the three-furlong marker, hugging the inside rail.
In a flash, Mojito effortlessly swept past the leaders, pulling away to win by 10 ½ lengths in a final time of 1:12.3, with splits of 23.3 and 48.1.
With his comeback victory secured, the question remains: what is next for Mojito? If he aims to compete in the 2024 Mouttet Mile, he must race in either the Jamaica Cup (9 ½ furlongs) or the Port Royal Sprint (6 furlongs) on Saturday, November 9, as the winners of these races gain automatic entry into the Mouttet Mile. Only time will tell!
