The 2026 edition of the Jamaica Derby will be contested by a maximum field of 16 three-year-olds (colts, geldings, and fillies) on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The Jamaica Derby is the final of five yearly Classic races dedicated for three-year-olds, the others being, the 1000 Guineas, the 2000 Guineas, the Jamaica St Leger and the Jamaica Oaks.
The following is the Derby preview done by The Quick Galloper in post-position order.
1 – SENOR BISCOTTI
Bay colt (February 6) by Savoy Stomp out of Baby P
Trainer – Richard Azan
Jockey – Omar Walker
Fourth in both The Kingston (7 ½ furlongs) and the St Leger (10 furlongs), Senor Biscotti shaped like a colt who will relish the extended Derby trip. With 11 career starts, he brings valuable seasoning to the contest. A sound choice for the exotic wagers.
2 – MAVERICK
Bay colt (May 3) by Aveenu Malcinu out of Midnight In Paris
Trainer – Jason DaCosta
Jockey – Calvin Bailey
A mere participant, Maverick is unlikely to trouble the principals. His presence may only add colour to the headlines.
3 – JO BOXER
Bay colt (March 16) by Casual Trick out of Billiejo
Trainer – Barrington Bernard
Jockey – Richie Shakes
Consistent across five career starts, Jo Boxer nevertheless finds himself well out of his depth at this level.
4 – WAH A GWAAN
Bay colt (February 13) by Aveenu Malcainu out of She’s Irie
Trainer – Christopher Pierre
Jockey – Bebeto Harvey
Arrives on the back of two consecutive wins, including success over 9 ½ furlongs. Wah A Gwaan is progressing rapidly and has already shown stamina. A live candidate to hit the board and a strong option for exotic wagers.
5 – LONDON SPIRIT
Bay colt (February 6) by Bern Identity out of Blufield
Trainer – Jason DaCosta
Jockey – Tevin Foster
A deep closer who lacks early speed. His third in the St Leger, beaten only a neck by Salute The Don, highlighted his ability to pass tiring rivals late. With two extra furlongs to work with, London Spirit is poised to feature prominently. A solid quinella and exacta prospect.
6 – I LOVE BIRDIE
Bay colt (January 22) by Savoy Stomp out of Birdie My Love
Trainer – Fitzroy Glispie
Jockey – Phillip Parchment
Failed to fire in the St Leger despite encouraging morning reports. Difficult to recommend here.
7 – BIGGER BOSS
Bay colt (January 27) by Bern Identity out of Woman Is Boss
Trainer – Jason DaCosta
Jockey – Robert Halledeen
Has disappointed throughout his eight-race career. No evidence suggests a turnaround is imminent.
8 – DREAM CATCHER
Bay filly (May 12) by Bern Identity out of Double Jeopardy Trainer – Jason DaCosta
Jockey – Shaheem Gordon
The lone filly in the line-up, Dream Catcher tackles the Derby just six days after her Oaks triumph. That represents 32 furlongs in under a week. Without her regular rider Tevin Foster, and with a modest St Leger effort against colts already on her record, she faces a daunting assignment.
9 – MOHANLAL
Bay colt (April 7) by Casual Trick out of Raise Your Voice
Trainer – Richard Azan
Jockey – Ian Spence
Crushed in the St Leger but rebounded with his best effort to date, defeating imported rivals over a mile. Connections now expect further progress, though this is a sterner test.
10 – WE JAMMIN
Chestnut colt (May 7) by Bern Identity out of Jammin
Trainer – Peter-John Parsard
Jockey – Reyan Lewis
A colt of immense talent who has endured a stop-start season. Dominant in the Prince Consort, absent from the 2000 Guineas, then returned to demolish rivals in the St Leger. Widely regarded as the leading three-year-old. If fit and well, We Jammin should prove unbeatable.
11 – DARWIN
Bay colt (February 27) by Casual Trick out of Cape
Trainer – Richard Azan
Jockey – Tajay Suckoo
Has already raced successfully around two turns and is in peak condition. However, Derby glory appears beyond his reach.
12 – STARDOM
Bay colt (April 4) by Sensational Slam out of Trinket Box
Trainer – Gary Subratie
Jockey – Anthony Thomas
Winner of The Kingston and narrowly denied in the 2000 Guineas, Stardom flopped in the St Leger. Yet his prior form suggests he will relish the Derby’s 12 furlongs. The booking of Anthony Thomas signals serious intent from connections.
13 – EYE OF THE TIGER
Bay colt (May 30) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Full Moon’s Enough
Trainer – Jason DaCosta
Jockey – Abigail Able
Outclassed at this level. May only add minor intrigue to the headlines.
14 – STRONG AVEENU
Bay colt (March 19) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Ruby Rose Trainer – Patrick Lynch
Jockey – Paul Francis
A runner of limited ability, unlikely to feature.
15 – PROSPERITY SEN
Bay colt (May 20) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Sencity
Trainer – Alford Brown
Jockey – Tyrese Anderson
Not expected to play a meaningful role in the Derby outcome.
16 – SALUTE THE DON
Chestnut colt (March 19) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Abicadabby
Trainer – Gary Subratie
Jockey – Dane Dawkins
A model of grit and determination. Winner of the 2000 Guineas despite stumbling at the start, and a gallant runner-up in the St Leger. His stamina for 12 furlongs is the only question mark, but he cannot be dismissed from calculations.
The Derby narrative is clear: We Jammin stands as the benchmark, with Salute The Don and London Spirit offering strong supporting claims. Wah A Gwaan is the dark horse, while Dream Catcher faces a monumental challenge against the colts.
