Darwin’s success in the two turn Mr Lover Lover Trophy was about authority.
Returning from modest efforts in the Prince Consort Stakes and non‑two company, the Richard Azan‑trained colt announced himself as a possible Classic contender with a commanding victory in the Mr Lover Lover Trophy over nine furlongs and 25 yards on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Ridden by Tajay Suckoo, Darwin produced the most mature run of his career. Early on, he hugged the rail while Jo Boxer (Jaheim Anderson) and God’s Plan (Emelio McLean) duelled for the lead. Suckoo conserved every inch of ground, waiting until the half‑mile pole to nudge his mount forward.
With three furlongs to run, Darwin shifted gears. He surged past the leaders with ease, opening a gap that widened with every stride. By the wire, he was 14½ lengths clear, stopping the clock at 1:55.2 with splits of 24.4, 48.1, 1:12.4, and 1:39.3. Jo Boxer held second, God’s Plan third, while the rest were left trailing far behind.
The emphatic nature of the win stamped Darwin as a serious player for the Jamaica St Leger and the Derby. Whether this marks his peak or the beginning of a Classic campaign, his performance confirmed that Jamaica’s three‑year‑old division has a new force to reckon with.
