14 three-year-old colts and geldings face the starter
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The temperature is rising as 14 three-year-olds continue to prepare for the upcoming Classic races.
The Mercury Sprint confined to three-year-old colts and geldings over five furlongs straight is but just another one of the stops on the trail towards the Classic races.
THE QUICK GALLOPER examines the 14 starters in the Mercury Sprint in post-position order.
1 – BROMPTON ALEX: (3 ch g by Lion Tamer – Peccadillio) – Caught the eye in his first outing on January 22, when finishing third by four lengths behind winner Valhalla. Brompton Alex must have benefitted from that pipe opener and has kept up nicely at exercise and is going to be there when the winning post arrives. Note the visor has been put on.
2 – BLUE VINYL: (3 ch c by Bern Identity – Blufield) – Has been on the track for a while now without any eye-catching work. With his long preparation expect Blue Vinyl to make an impression first time out.
3 – CALL THE EMPEROR: (3 b c by Emperor Hall – Call For A Cat) – Has be progressing well at exercise in the mornings. Call The Emperor, racing for the first time, is of use and based on exercise reports will do his best running in the final furlong.
4 – HOWILOOKIN: (3 b c by Western Classic – Gold Charm) – This first-timer has been around in the mornings from his two-year-old days. Howilookin has continued to show promise and the expectation is that this bay colt is going to run well, and with the opposition not too inspiring, Howilookin is going to be there when this one is being decided.
5 – PRINCE SANJAY: (3 ch c by Emperor Hall – Dalla Fifty) – Prince Sanjay has raced three times and in his first two efforts finished third, then he was sixth in his third effort. Given the nature of these maiden races, Prince Sanjay now with cheek pieces taken off might use his experience to get a place on the board.
6 – SARGE IN CHARGE: (3 b g by Nasheet – Aunt Hilda) – Sarge In Charge has raced four times with nothing to show from his efforts. That trajectory should continue even with both the blinkers and tongue tie taken off.
7 – SIR TAJAY: (Traditional – Lastochka) – Has the experience of starting five times but that is about it for Sir Tajay. Races with the blinkers off and the visor on.
8 – BUGATTI: (3 b c by Casual Trick – Charmin Diaz) – Burgatti is making his first appearance since August 3, 2022. Burgatti is returning in better shape and has stepped up his preparation at exercise with his trainer deciding to put the figure eight on and, he will also race with first-time Lasix. Expect an improved run from Bugatti, who will get close if not winning.
9 – SLAM: (3 b g by Sensational Slam – Bedroom Chatter) – Finished second on debut and was subdued when racing for the second occasion, finishing out of the frame. Now, Slam returns after a pipe opener on January 15, and with that effort under his girth, and with the tongue tie taken off, Slam is primed to win.
10 – POTENTIAL: (3 b c by Traditional – Breath of Life) – Potential enters this trophy offering with no back form. Yet railbirds believe that Potential has made enough progress in the mornings to make a meaningful impression.
11 – MASTERCLASS: (3 b g by Casual Trick – Awesome Destiny) - Nominated to run seven days ago but the jockey fell as the gates opened. Races with the cheek pieces on.
12 – PRINT QUALITY: (3 b g by Casual Trick – She Can Preach) – Has no chance.
13 – ASURETY: (3 ch c by Perfect Curlin – Sure To Cure) – Made his debut seven days ago and was slowly out of the gates. Expected to run a better race without winning.
14 – STORM A COME: (3 b c by Storm Craft – Terra Marque) – Gaining some experience.
