Calculus, Billy Whizz the main contenders in Sir Howard Stakes

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Ten horses are competing in a keen matchup in the 26th running of the Sir Howard Stakes, as the tough but rewarding “Road to the Triple Crown” continues on Sunday, March 14.

The race is over six furlongs (1,200m) for a total purse of $1.5 million. This Classic prep race is for three-year-old colts and geldings who are non-winners of two races.

Below is the analysis of the chances of the 10 entrants in this year’s Sir Howard Stakes. 

1. SANTORINI: (3 ch c by Soul Warrior - Milestone) – After winning on debut on October 17, 2020, Santorini was expected to improve and carry on during the two-year-old season last year but was no match against his more established peers. Making his 2021 debut in the Sir Howard, Santorini, who is training fairy well, can hit the board but may need time. Note the blinkers are on.

2. MINIATURE MAN: (3 ch c by Northern Giant – Runaway Gal) – Speedy sort who is expected to do his running early before giving way in deep stretch.

3. KING’S MAGICIAN: (3 ch c by Performing Magic - Regency) – Released the maiden tag at five furlongs (1,000m) round on February 6. Then King’s Magician won by 2 ¾ lengths in a slow time of 1:02.0. He will need to improve even more than the normal three-year-old is expected to in order to win this one.

4. MONEY MAN: (3 gr c by Bern Identity – Silver Shadows) – Made one move going nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) on February 27. Facing these runners, Money Man especially with the inexperienced apprentice on board is going to find repeating difficult.

5. JOHNCROWJEFF: (3 b c by Natural Selection – Sweetyourock) – Has not shown in his four starts that he can handle these.

6. REGAL AND ROYAL: (3 b c by Soul Warrior – Wap) – Capable runner, who should run well especially in the closing stages.

7. CALCULUS: (3 b c by Sensational Slam – Trinket Box) – Finished fifth behind stablemate Further and Beyond in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes on December 27 of last year. However, two races prior to that, Calculus, making his debut, was a winner over this distance in a time of 1:13.1, under Dane Nelson. With Nelson returning in the saddle, Calculus, who is expected to show due improvement for his seasonal bow, can put these away.

8. BILLY WHIZZ: (3 ch g by Northern Giant – Khadiliah) — Was a no-show in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes on December 27 of last year. Then Billy Whizz finished in eighth place by 11 lengths behind Further and Beyond, but it must be noted that Billy Whizz was injured in the gates in that race which obviously hampered his performance. Made his seasonal debut on February 17, when chasing stablemate Lure of Lucy over 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m) and was in front of Regal and Royal. With that encouraging run, Billy Whizz can go one better.

9. ALIMONY: (3 ch c by Legal Process – Kysha Baby) – Is going to be left behind. Note the blinkers are on.

10. REGNANT: (3 ch c by Midnight Hawk – Mama Blossom) – Made an impressive debut on February 17 over 5 furlongs straight winning by four lengths. Regnant’s time of 1:01.4 for the distance was below par, but the manner of victory was encouraging but he needs to improve to have a positive say in the Sir Howard.