The announcement that the Viceroy Trophy has been shortened from its traditional mile to 5 ½ furlongs has stirred unease among racing pundits. The prevailing view is that the legacy of the former Triple Crown champion, hailed by many as one of the finest thoroughbreds ever to grace Caymanas Park is being discarded in the name of expediency.
The Viceroy was never a sprinter during his illustrious career, and to recast the race named in his honour as a dash borders on sacrilege. It is, in no uncertain terms, a dismissal of Jamaica’s racing heritage.
While The Galloper stands firmly opposed to this alteration, the reality is that six sprinters have been declared for the diluted version of the Viceroy Trophy. Their prospects are assessed below in draw order.
1 – OF A REVOLUTION (USA)
On March 7, he demolished rivals over this very trip, winning by 3 ¼ lengths in a slick 1:07.0. Though beaten by Pack Plays on January 31 at 6 ½ furlongs, the cut back in distance plays perfectly to his strengths. Well-prepared for this assignment, Of A Revolution could simply run them into the ground if allowed to dictate terms.
2 – PACK PLAYS (USA)
He holds a prior victory over Of A Revolution and showed grit when finishing second—albeit nine lengths adrift—behind Legacy Isle over five furlongs on May 2. If Pack Plays secures first run, he has the credentials to repeat the feat.
3 – NEO STAR
Entered more as a supporting act for stablemates than as a genuine contender. His role here is largely to make up the numbers.
4 – SIR DON (USA)
His last outing was a disaster, trailing home eighth by over 40 lengths in Legacy Isle’s record-breaking Eros Trophy on June 6. Yet the abundance of pace in this race could set things up for him. If ridden with patience—tracking the speedballs before unleashing late—Sir Don has the tools to rebound.
5 – SUPREMASI
Fresh from a strong effort just a week ago, Supremasi now faces more seasoned opposition. He will need to summon another supreme performance to trouble these rivals.
6 – WALL STREET TRADER (USA)
Recent form has been below his best, but this foreign-bred runner retains enough quality to warrant respect. He cannot be dismissed from calculations.
