KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths Classic returns with a full gate of twelve three-year-olds, each vying for glory over the demanding two-turn journey of 9½ furlongs.
With a mix of seasoned campaigners, Oaks and Derby warriors, and rising stars, this year’s edition promises tactical intrigue, and stamina tests.
Let’s break down the contenders in post-position order:
1 – PRINCE ROY
Bay colt (March 22) | Sire: Here Comes Ben | Dam: Princess Shine 🔹 Trainer: Jason DaCosta | Jockey: Shane Ellis | Equipment: Visor Prince Roy has consistently faltered against his age group’s elite, failing to make an impression in any of the major three-year-old contests. Despite the visor addition, his form reads flat and uninspiring. This level of competition appears beyond his reach.
Verdict: Non-factor.
2 – WOMAN IN LOVE
Chestnut filly (January 27) | Sire: Sensational Slam | Dam: Woman Is Boss 🔸 Trainer: Peter-John Parsard | Jockey: Raddesh Roman
After shedding her maiden status in late June, Woman In Love nearly stole the Jamaica Oaks with a surge, falling just 1½ lengths short. Her stamina is proven, her morning gallops are sharp, and her confidence is rising. She’s a filly on the upswing, ready to stamp her class.
Verdict: Major player.
3 – BOB THE BUILDER
Bay colt (February 10) | Sire: Hedge Fund | Dam: Sound of Miracle 🔹 Trainer: Gregg Fennell | Jockey: Shane Richardson | Equipment: Blinkers Already a winner at this exact distance, Bob The Builder is a front-running specialist who thrives when left alone on the lead. If he secures an uncontested pace, he could build a winning margin brick by brick. But pressure early could cause cracks.
Verdict: Dangerous if left alone.
4 – BIG BUZZ
Bay colt (April 15) | Sire: Buzz Nightmare | Dam: Lady Tarkari 🔸 Trainer: Ray Phillips | Jockey: Omar Walker
Big Buzz showed grit in the Jamaica Derby, finishing fifth while staying the 12 furlongs. That effort suggests he’s got the engine for long distances. If he improves off that run, he could buzz into contention late.
Verdict: Sleeper with upside.
5 – ROARING KITTY
Bay filly (January 28) | Sire: Casual Trick | Dam: Salty Talk 🔹 Trainer: Ian Parsard | Jockey: Oneil Mullings
Roaring Kitty was a late mover in the Oaks, finishing fourth behind Woman In Love and Pretty Perfect. She’s consistent but lacks the killer instinct to dominate. A minor placing is her ceiling unless she finds a new gear.
Verdict: Board contender.
6 – BENEISON
Bay colt (April 24) | Sire: Sensational Slam | Dam: Benediction 🔸 Trainer: Ryan Williams | Jockey: Anthony Allen
Beneison disappointed in the Derby but has shown flashes of ability. The 9½ furlongs could suit him better, and if he finds rhythm early, he might sneak into the mix. Respect is warranted, but caution advised.
Verdict: Wild card.
7 – PRETTY PERFECT
Bay filly (April 22) | Sire: Sensational Slam | Dam: Black Bombshell 🔹 Trainer: Gary Subratie | Jockey: Dane Dawkins | Equipment: Visor on, Tongue tie off
This filly is all heart. Third in both the Oaks and Derby, Pretty Perfect has danced every major dance and held her own. With a month’s rest and facing slightly softer opposition, she’s poised to deliver a career-best. Her courage and consistency make her a standout.
Verdict: Top-tier contender.
8 – ALCHEMY OF SOULS
Grey colt (May 10) | Sire: Spieth | Dam: Emerald Belle 🔸 Trainer: Jason DaCosta | Jockey: Clive Lynch
A late bloomer who broke his maiden in August and followed up with a respectable fifth in the Derby. The cutback in distance helps, but he’s still raw. A good showing here could set him up for future success.
Verdict: Improving, but not quite ready.
9 – STAR QUEST
Bay colt (March 28) | Sire: Northern Giant | Dam: Thegirlnextdoor 🔹 Trainer: Jason DaCosta | Jockey: Eric Haughton
Star Quest has struggled to keep pace with this class and has yet to show the spark needed to compete. The journey looks too steep.
Verdict: Outclassed.
10 – ENTHUSIASM
Bay filly (March 12) | Sire: Wow Wow | Dam: Noon It Is 🔸 Trainer: Anthony Nunes | Jockey: Dick Cardenas
A grinder with two wins from ten starts, Enthusiasm is honest but lacks flair. She’ll be running on late, and while a win is unlikely, she could pick up pieces if the pace collapses.
Verdict: Bottom-board hopeful.
11 – LOCKDOWN
Chestnut colt (April 29) | Sire: Strikewhileitshot | Dam: Aria 🔹 Trainer: Howard Jaghai | Jockey: Aaron Chatrie
Lockdown enters a race that looks far too demanding. His form doesn’t inspire confidence, and the distance may expose his limitations.
Verdict: Facing uphill battle.
12 – BOSS MAN
Bay colt (March 28) | Sire: Bern Identity | Dam: Miss Boss Lady 🔸 Trainer: Peter-John Parsard | Jockey: Reyan Lewis
Boss Man is quietly building a solid résumé with two wins from five starts. He’s progressive and could surprise. Not a win pick, but definitely one to watch for the exotics.
Verdict: Place chance
THE QUICK GALLOPER’S FINAL VERDICT
The fillies hold the edge, with Pretty Perfect and Woman In Love bringing proven class and staying power. Bob The Builder looms as a speed threat with Big Buzz. Boss Man offers value for those looking beyond the obvious.
Top Selection: Pretty Perfect – Her Derby and Oaks efforts were brave and consistent. With rest and a slightly easier field, she’s ready to shine. Next Best: Woman In Love – Improving rapidly and built for the distance.
Value Play: Bob The Builder – If he gets the lead, he could go all the way.
