KINGSTON, Jamaica - The third Classic of the 2024 three-year-old season is scheduled to be contested tomorrow (July 7) at Caymanas Park.
Eleven horses representing the cream of the three-year-old crop will enter the starting gates in this 10-furlong event.
The Quick Galloper's analysis of the eleven starts is published below in post-position order.
1 - MACK AND ROME
A bay colt (February 5) by Bold Conquest out of Gold Miner, trained by Saqlain Roman with Aaron Chatrie riding. Won his first race just a month ago. Cannot manage this lot of more seasoned campaigners.
2 - ALLEGIANCE
A chestnut colt (February 26) by Midnight Hawk out of Princess Geeta, trained by Anthony Nunes with Matthew Bennett in the saddle. Allegiance did well to finish fourth, five lengths behind California Crown in the 2000 Guineas. Allegiance will be suited by the extra two furlongs of the St Leger and is expected to hit the board again.
3 - SUPREMASI
A bay colt (May 12) by Savoy Stomp out of Beware Baby, trained by Anthony Nunes with Raddesh Roman aboard. With only three starts in his career, Supremasi has been progressing well. He finished second behind stablemate Captain Sparrow going the two turns of nine furlongs and 25 yards. Supremasi led for most of the way, and with that experience gathered in his hoofs, he poses a live threat to all. Expect Supremasi to be on the headlines, ensuring an honest pace which will suit his running on stable pair of Captain Sparrow and Crown Chaser.
4 - CAPTAIN SPARROW
A bay colt (March 16) by Savoy Stomp out of Rackam’s Mistress, trained by Anthony Nunes with Phillip Parchment holding the reins. Captain Sparrow is an out-and-out stayer who thrives the longer the distance. Did not make it to the 2000 Guineas, then returned on June 15 (nine furlongs and 25 yards), to win in emphatic fashion coming from far behind the leaders. Captain Sparrow is primed for the St Leger; he is fit and ready and will be tearing home in the final two furlongs.
5 - RUN JULIE RUN
A grey filly (May 6) by Successful Native out of Runaway Julie, trained by Ian Parsard with Reyan Lewis listed as the designated jockey. Run Julie Run is the only filly participating in the 2024 Jamaica St Leger. She possesses an abundance of class as displayed by her stunning win in the fillies-only 1000 Guineas. In the St Leger, Run Julie Run comes up against the boys going two furlongs longer. Based on her past performances to date, Run Julie Run is expected to easily get 10 furlongs, but against stronger and also talented opponents, that might not be enough. Run Julie Run will be a deciding factor in the outcome of this Classic call.
6 - INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD
A bay colt (February 8) by Bold Conquest out of My Friend Lucy, trained by Jason DaCosta with Tevin Foster riding. Despite finishing second behind California Crown in the 2000 Guineas, the champion two-year-old did not look to be at his fighting best, simply lacking the usual spark when asked to do so. Since then, Intrestntimesahead has been getting his act together at morning exercise and is seemingly back to his old self. If that is the case, Intrestntimesahead will be a strong force in the St Leger.
7 - CALIFORNIA CROWN
A chestnut colt (March 30) by Hedge Fund out of Dream Big, trained by Jason DaCosta with Robert Halledeen aboard. The upset winner of the 2000 Guineas, California Crown is the only unbeaten horse participating in the St Leger. In his three wins to date, California Crown has set the pace. Now in the St Leger, he will be travelling two furlongs longer; the big question is - can California Gold effectively get the trip? That question will be answered on Sunday. California Gold is going to be tested to hold his unbeaten record.
8 - BRENDA BOY
A bay colt (April 3) by Savoy Stomp out of Delightful Brenda, trained by Victor Williams. Has no realistic chance of winning this Classic.
9 - KING PIYE
A chestnut colt (April 2) by Admiral Alex out of Jamaica Pharoah, trained by Anthony Nunes with Omar Walker in the saddle. Cannot be given a chance of success in this one.
10 - PROVIDENT
A chestnut colt (April 21) by Sensational Slam out of Dream Point, trained by Jason DaCosta with Shamaree Muir aboard. Has shown his liking for coming from off the pace. Still learning and may be better off with time.
11- CROWN CHASER
A bay colt (January 30) by Bern Identity out of Salty Talk, trained by Anthony Nunes with Shane Ellis aboard. Note that Crown Chaser races with the visor off. Beaten by stablemate Captain Sparrow in The Kingston (7 ½ furlongs), Crown Chaser despite the presence in the saddle of many-times Classic winner, Shane Ellis will have to pull out all the stops to win this one.
