KINGSTON, Jamaica - As the 2025 racing year continues apace, the three-year-olds are getting prepared for their efforts in the Classic races.
Before the Classic races, there are several preparation events, one of which is the Mercury Sprint, scheduled for Sunday, February 9.
The Mercury Sprint is for maiden colts and geldings going five furlongs straight. Six horses are entered, four of which are racing for the first time.
The Quick Galloper’s assessment of each starter and their possible placing is provided below in draw order.
1 - PRINCE OGILVEY is a bay colt (April 25) by Storm Craft out of D’Angel, trained by Phillip Lee with Oshane Nugent in the saddle. Note that Prince Ogilvey races with the figure eight on and first-time Lasix. He did not do well when making his debut on January 4, finishing fifth, 27 lengths behind the winner. Prince Ogilvey’s trainer has changed the equipment, so it is a wait-and-see situation.
2 - ALCHEMY OF SOULS is a grey colt (May 10) by Spieth out of Emerald Belle. Jason DaCosta trains him, and Jerome Innis rides him. He entered to race on January 11 but was declared a late non-starter due to lameness. Since then, Alchemy of Souls has been working well and is expected to make a brave bid.
3 - UNCLE BABA is a bay colt (February 20) by Conquest Cherimash out of A Vessel of Love, trained by Barrington Bernard with Javaniel Patterson aboard. Morning reports indicate that Uncle Baba has looked good for a while, with many onlookers suggesting that he will be a deciding factor in the outcome.
4 - PAPI USO is a bay colt (March 22) by Casual Trick out of Runallday, trained by Anthony Nunes with apprentice Garvin Harris holding the reins. Racing for the first time, this well-bred colt has been carrying himself smoothly in the mornings, and an enterprising first effort is expected.
5 - ANOTHER ONE is a bay colt (March 18) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Chinitagoodaz, trained by Anthony Nunes with Shane Ellis as the designated rider. This newcomer has caught the attention of exercise clockers, and with the trainer having two horses in the Mercury, the choice of Shane Ellis is significant.
6 - MODERN MONARCH is a bay colt (January 30) by Casual Trick out of Revolving Beauty, trained by Patrick Lynch with Ismael Velasquez aboard. Note that Modern Monarch races with blinkers and figure eight on, and first-time Lasix. He raced once on January 1, finishing miles adrift of the winner. There is hope for a top place on the board.
