KINGSTON, Jamaica – The fourth race on Saturday, August 23, 2024, featured a three-furlong sprint for two-year-old maidens, drawing a compact field of six. Among the starters, five were American-bred, with the lone local representative being Fernando—a chestnut colt by Successful Native out of Dancing Queen, trained by Anthony Nunes and partnered with champion jockey Raddesh Roman.
Fernando, making his debut, settled mid-pack through the opening furlong and a half. Then, with a subtle cue from Roman, the juvenile colt surged forward, quickening his stride and separating himself from the field. He crossed the finish line 2¼ lengths clear of runner-up Infinity Star (Dane Dawkins), with Comuna Trece (Clive Lynch) securing third.
Originally slated to debut on August 2, Fernando was withdrawn at the gates due to fractious behaviour. Trainer Nunes offered insight into the colt’s temperament and development:
“We still have a lot of work to do with Fernando, especially at the starting gates. He’s a temperamental sort, so we’re spending extra time helping him settle and focus before the race and in the future,” Nunes shared.
