KINGSTON, Jamaica - After a telling victory in the 2024 2000 Guineas and two lacklustre performances in the St Leger and the Jamaica Derby, California Crown took an extended hiatus before making his return on January 4, 2025.
The four-year-old bay colt, by Hedge Fund out of Dream Big, marked his comeback with a striking performance over 5 ½ furlongs, clocking a remarkable 1:05.4 in a non-winners of four race.
He continued to build on that success on February 1, with another strong front-running display while racing in the Overnight Allowance category for the first time.
Ridden by Robert Halledeen, California Crown showcased his speed and power, winning by 2 ½ lengths in a time of 1:00.2 over five furlongs round. Sensational Move (Dane Dawkins) finished in second place, followed by Kem (Gavin Harris) in third.
California Crown quickly took control of the race, fending off early challenges from A Gift From Ben (Tajay Suckoo), Joy Is Golden (Ismael Velasquez), Talona (Youville Pinnock), and Sensational Move as they approached the half-mile turn.
As they entered the home stretch, California Crown accelerated and maintained the advantage, despite a late challenge from Sensational Move. Ultimately, California Crown's superiority carried him across the finish line.
This latest victory brought California Crown's career stats to five wins in seven starts, along with earnings exceeding $4 million.
