KINGSTON, Jamaica - Jason DaCosta, the trainer of three-year-old bay colt Intrestntimesahead (Bold Conquest – My Friend Lucy), revealed that the horse had been facing some minor issues leading up to the 2000 Guineas, which he lost by a length and a half to stablemate California Crown.
Despite the health problems faced by Intrestntimesahead, DaCosta said that he had faith in his charge’s ability, knowing that he wasn't one to show off in the mornings with flashy workouts. However, when it mattered most, Intrestntimesahead delivered, receiving a perfect trip and an excellent ride from Tevin Foster to win the Jamaica St Leger.
Intrestntimesahead left no doubts about his class by winning the 10-furlong Futurity contest, the second leg of the native-bred three-year-old Triple Crown series of races, by a convincing 3 ½ lengths.
Crown Chaser, ridden by veteran Shane ‘Canter Man’ Ellis came from far behind runners to get second place, beating Run Julie Run (Reyan Lewis) by a neck. After splits of 24.4 x 50.1 x 1:15.0 x 1:42.0, the final time was recorded at 2:09.1.
“Intrestntimesahead had some niggling issues going into the 2000 Guineas,” DaCosta said in a post-race interview.
“He’s not a great worker, I mean he is not going to give you flashy work in the mornings and so maybe that is why the buzz wasn’t around him. He is a solid horse; he got a perfect trip today; and it was an excellent ride from Tevin [Foster] and I am happy with the result,” DaCosta added.
When asked about the upcoming Jamaica Derby, DaCosta expressed confidence in Intrestntimesahead’s ability to handle the longer distance of 12 furlongs.
“I think he will stay the 12 furlongs. It was not going to be an easy race because those two horses were right behind him in the St Leger. It is going to be tough but we are going to prepare him for the race,” DaCosta noted.
