KINGSTON, Jamaica – The fifth race of six on Saturday, July 22, 2023, is for local three and four-year-olds non-winners of four, and imported three-year-olds and upwards (non-winners of three).
The distance is 6 ½ furlongs with eight horses nominated to start.
The Quick Galloper’s assessment of these eight runners is given below.
This assessment is done in draw order.
1 - LION OF EKATI is a four-year-old dark brown gelding (USA) by Tale of Ekati – Indian Conduct, trained by Jason DaCosta with Shavon Townsend aboard. This foreigner has raced 29 times, and in all of his races has not been able to deal with the early pace, he is always at the back of the field, thereby making 6 ½ furlongs a tall order.
2 - MAJOR DANGER is a three-year-old bay colt (USA May 25) by Majestic City out of Clean Eleven, trained by Anthony Dixon with Bebeto Harvey in the saddle. Was caught on the line by Inspire Force on June 18 at seven furlongs. Now going half a furlong shorter, Major Danger will be hard to deny.
3 – VOLATILITY is a three-year-old bay filly (March 10) by Hedge Fund out of Fashionista, trained by Anthony Nunes with Omar Simpson aboard. Volatility can safely be taken out of consideration.
4 - ESSENTIAL QUALITY is a three-year-old chestnut filly (April 16) by Sensational Slam – Texas Missy, trained by Oral Hayden with Anthony Thomas in the saddle. With a plucky effort on June 24, Essential Quality got home by a neck over Acknowldgeme going the same distance as this event. She is improving rapidly and is given every chance in this one.
5 - IS THAT A FACT is a three-year-old bay colt (USA April 20) by Palace Malice – Valid Code, trained by Jason DaCosta with Reyan Lewis aboard. Made one move to win a 5 ½ furlong event by 6 ½ lengths in a time of 1:06.4 on July 8 coming off a six-month break. Is That A Fact should have stripped fitter from that effort and will give the morning line favourite Major Danger the most to do.
6 - LEGIT BOSS is a three-year-old bay filly (February 20) by Casual Trick out of Bilingual, trained by Anthony Nunes with Tevin Foster in the saddle. Second behind Is That A Fact on July 8. Legit Boss should welcome the extra furlong and is given an outsider’s chance of success.
7 - ROYAL ASH is a three-year-old roan filly (February 24) by Fearless Vision out of Greek Goddess, trained by Anthony Nunes with Matthew Bennett aboard. Finished third behind Is That A Fact and Legit Boss on last. With both Is That A Fact and Legit Boss present again, the chances of Royal Ash winning are slim.
8 – ACKNOWLEDGEME is a bay filly (March 26) by Key To Power – Gentle Officer, trained by Michael Thomas with Ramon Nepare in the saddle. – A winner on last who will find it difficult to repeat racing in a new class. She will learn from this experience.
