The 2026 Port Royal Sprint contested on Monday, October 19, produced a mild upset with the imported five-year-old bay horse Dothraki sprinting to victory at odds of 5-1.
The Port Royal Sprint is an event designated for three-year-old and up horses at the Grade One level going six furlongs.
Eight horses were nominated to compete.
The Quick Galloper’s analysis of the Port Royal Sprint done in finishing order is shared below.
FIRST – DOTHRAKI
Dothraki is a difficult campaigner to assess. From ten starts, he has won four times, earning over $4 million. Trained by Jason DaCosta and ridden by Tevin Foster in the Port Royal, Dothraki was quickly out of his starting barrier, going straight to the lead and despite being challenged at different stages by Desert of Malibu, Pack Plays and others, was still able to run the headlines. Dothraki held the advantage entering the straight for the final two furlongs, then started to shorten as rivals got closer. In a desperate push, Foster was able to carry him across the line by just a neck in a final time of 1:11.2. Dothraki, who was coming off a break of 65 days, used his speed to good effect but as was the case in previous outings struggled in the final furlong. To say the least it was a fortuitous win by the Into Mischief offspring. More than likely giving his printing prowess, Dothraki will be a starter in the 6 ½ furlongs Bruceontheloose Sprint on the Mouttet Mile raceday in early December and not the Mouttet Mile itself.
SECOND – NAUTICAL STAR
Nautical Star could not match the early speed in the Port Royal, instead he raced on close to the back of the field for most of the way. His rider Tajay Suckoo started his move with about three, three and a half furlongs left in the contest, entering the straight in about fourth or fifth place. Then he tracked to the inside rails, where he gathered momentum finishing strongly, just failing to catch Dothraki. Will probably be better off is judiciously piloted in the Bruceontheloose Sprint (6 ½ furlongs) on Mouttet Mile raceday in early December.
THIRD – OF A REVOLUTION
Like his stablemate, Nautical Star, Of A Revolution could not handle the early pace set by the winner. Came late and was just two lengths adrift of the leading duo. Like Nautical Star, Of A Revolution will probably do better in the Bruceontheloose.
FOURTH – DESERT OF MALIBU
Although getting on in years (seven) this mare sparred for a few furlongs on the headlines, then could not sustain the effort. Desert of Malibu was not at her best but cannot be discarded in future assignments.
FIFTH – PEPPER STEPPER
Stepping up in grade, this well-known speedster lost all chances of winning when the gates opened, exiting at the back of the pack. Did make up ground, but was never a winning factor in the end. At three-year-old, Pepper Stepper will learn from this experience.
SIXTH – PACK PLAYS
This was a lacklustre performance by this foreigner, who, although visible in the early stages. Pack Plays failed petered out in the end.
SEVENTH – SUPREMASI
Was never is contention throughout the six furlongs.
EIGHT – PHENOMENAL POWER
This odds-on favourite was simply not at his best, a totally underwhelming effort. It would seem based on previous efforts, that Phenomenal Power is not and out and out sprinter and is better going distances at around seven furlongs and longer.
