KINGSTON, Jamaica - The 50th staging of the one-mile Jamaica 2000 Guineas is scheduled for Sunday, June 2, 2024.
Nine three-year-old colts and geldings have been nominated to start in this Classic event.
The Quick Galloper’s analysis is provided below.
1 - ALLEGIANCE is a chestnut (February 26) by Midnight Hawk out of Princess Geeta, trained by Anthony Nunes with Reyan Lewis aboard. Was properly dealt with in The Kingston (May 5), finishing fifth, 17 lengths behind the winner, Intrestntimesahead. The chances of success by Allegiance in 2000 are increased given the additional distance of half-a-furlong, and his preparation gallops leading into this Classic event. In addition, jockey Reyan Lewis is reunited with Allegiance. The two were together to secure victory in the Sir Howard Stakes. Has to be treated with respect.
2 - KING PIYE is a chestnut by Admiral Alex out of Jamaican Pharoah, trained by Anthony Nunes with Phillip Parchment riding. While King Piye will be better off with the distance at hand, he cannot be given a serious chance of winning.
3 - J SPIETH is a grey (March 26) by Spieth out of Alice and Trixie, trained by Patrick Lynch with Omar Walker holding the reins. This grey colt is difficult to assess. Finished third in the Prince Consort after leading in the early part of the stretch drive, and has been consistent at morning exercise. Bypassed The Kingston, and with the blinkers now on, J Spieth has to be given a shot in this one.
4 - PROVIDENT is a chestnut (April 21) by Sensational Slam out of Dream Point, trained by Jason DaCosta with Josue Osorio in the saddle. Has raced two times in his career, showing a preference for longer trips. Provident in the 2000 can best hope for a place on the board. Will gain experience, and will find better opportunities when the long races come around. He galloped well last weekend against his more accomplished stablemate, Intrestntimesahead, which may be a precursor for a grand effort in the 2000.
5 - KING’S CROWN is a chestnut (May 2) by Berlino Di Tiger out of Dancing Queen, trained by Steven Todd with Paul Francis as the designated rider: Made it two wins from four starts with a strong come-from-behind victory over 5 ½ furlongs just 10 days ago. This chestnut colt is developing rapidly, and going longer than six furlongs for the first occasion has a good chance of earning.
6 - INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD is a bay (February 8) by Bold Conquest out of My Friend Lucy, trained by Jason DaCosta with Tevin Foster riding. The two-year-old champion is continuing to dominate at three, winning his two starts, both in emphatic fashion. In The Kingston (May 5), Intrestntimesahead displayed his diversity by going to the lead quickly after the start, winning by 3 ½ lengths. Intrestntimesahead can lead, can race close to the pace, and can come from well behind the leaders, these options make him a formidable opponent to all in the 2000.
7 - PLAYFAIR is a bay (April 26) by Sensational Slam out of I Am The One, trained by Anthony Nunes with Matthew Bennett aboard. Can safely be discarded from the reckoning.
8 - CROWN CHASER is a bay colt (January 30) by Bern Identity out of Salty Talk, trained by Anthony Nunes with Raddesh Roman holding the reins. Improving rapidly, showing his likeness going long. Crown Chaser is usually at his best coming from behind as witnessed by his second-place run behind Intrestntimesahead in the Prince Consort Stakes at seven furlongs. Crown Chaser is better off going a mile and has to be watched carefully. Note, Crown Chaser races with the visor on.
9 - CALIFORNIA CROWN is a chestnut by Hedge Fund out of Dream Big, trained by Jason DaCosta with Robert Halledeen in the saddle. This three-year-old chestnut colt is improving at knots. With two wins from two starts, California Crown is still an unknown contender. The 2000 Guineas will assist in shaping his future. Has to be respected.
