KINGSTON, Jamaica - On the feature event of the nine-race card on Saturday, January 4, 2025, the St Catherine Cup is set for locally bred three and four-year-olds - non-winners of four, along with imported three and four-year-olds who have not won three races.
Six competitors will vie for victory over a distance of 5 ½ furlongs. Below is
The Quick Galloper offers an analysis of the potential outcome for readers on this website.
1 - CALIFORNIA CROWN returns after a lengthy 151-day hiatus, boasting a race record of three victories from five starts, highlighted by a Classic win in the one-mile 2000 Guineas, which he won in gate-to-wire fashion. Following this, he struggled in his next two races—the 10-furlong Jamaica St Leger and the mile-and-a-half Jamaica Derby (August 6, 2024)—showing little form. He hasn't raced since the Derby, but his training sessions indicate he is currently in good stead. He will be a formidable contender if California Crown has sufficiently regained his form.
2 - HIMAYA, with just one victory to her name, appears to be a clear filler in this line-up.
3 - PRINCESS AMAHLE (USA) shows steady improvement, yet with only one win, she should be considered mainly as part of the exacta. It's worth noting that Princess Amahle will compete with blinkers off and a visor on.
4 - WARSAW secured a win in his last race (December 24) among claiming horses and now shifts back to restricted company. Renowned for his early speed, Warsaw will likely challenge the front runners significantly and cannot be overlooked.
5 - BLU SENSATION performed poorly in his latest race (December 26), finishing eighth and trailing nine lengths behind the winner, Fearless Force. With Fearless Force also competing in this race, Blu Sensation will need to undergo a significant improvement to succeed.
6 - FEARLESS ATTACK made a return after a long break on January 1 but did not do well. He needs more time.
