The 2026 racing season is already in full swing, with seven race days completed and the narrative beginning to take shape.
Attention now turns to the three-year-olds, whose progress is under the microscope as the Classic season looms ever closer.
The second stepping stone on the road to the coveted Triple Crown is set for today, Sunday, February 8, 2026, the colts-and-geldings Mercury Sprint.
The Mercury Sprint has attracted only five starters going five furlongs straight.
1 – BLYTHWOOD
Bay colt (February 14) by Wow Wow out of She’s An Introvert
Trainer: Anthony Nunes
Jockey: Demar Williams
Blythwood enters this contest as the most seasoned of the quintet, with seven runs already under his belt. In each of those appearances, he has proven reliable, never finishing worse than fourth. His consistency is a major asset in a field that lacks depth. Importantly, the addition of the tongue tie and figure 8 could sharpen his focus and enhance his performance. With experience and equipment changes working in his favour, Blythwood is expected to be a strong contender.
2 – SO LUCKY AM I
Bay colt (May 8) by Successful Native out of Ashtrid
Trainer: Ian Roberts
Jockey: Bebeto Harvey
A debutant stepping into competitive company for the first time. So Lucky Am I will be learning on the job, and while raw ability may be present, this outing is more likely to serve as an educational experience. Improvement can be expected with racing exposure, but for now, he remains a work in progress.
3 – EL CAPITON
Chestnut colt (May 11) by Successful Native out of Empress Nicole
Trainer: Alford Brown
Jockey: Linton Steadman
Morning reports suggest El Capiton has been showing promise in his gallops. Though making his first start, the word from the exercise track is encouraging, and he could well announce himself with a competitive effort. His readiness and reported fluency in training make him one to watch among the newcomers.
4 – BARBQ
Bay colt (April 18) by Bern Identity out of Dee Q
Trainer: Anthony Smith
Jockey: Tevin Foster
Barbq has also been pleasing observers in the mornings, and expectations are that he will put forward a solid performance. Though inexperienced, his preparation appears sound, and he should not be dismissed lightly. With natural ability and reported progress, Barbq could play a meaningful role in the outcome.
5 – WAH A GWAAN
Bay colt (February 13) by Aveenu Malcainu out of She’s Irie
Trainer: Christopher Pierre
Jockey: Tajay Suckoo
Already tested in four starts, Wah A Gwaan has shown competitiveness, most notably finishing second over this same five-furlong straight trip. That effort demonstrated both speed and determination, marking him as a genuine factor in this race. His prior experience at the distance is a significant advantage, and he looks poised to challenge strongly once again.
THE QUICK GALLOPER’S VERDICT
With a field split between seasoned runners and first-timers, Blythwood and Wah A Gwaan stand out as the most reliable options. Blythwood’s consistency and new equipment could give him the edge, while Wah A Gwaan’s proven ability at the distance makes him a formidable rival. Of the newcomers, El Capiton and Barbq appear best prepared to make an impact. Expect the verdict to hinge on whether experience outweighs raw talent—but Blythwood’s steadiness and Wah A Gwaan’s proven form suggest they will dominate the finish.
