KINGSTON, Jamaica - The time is nigh. The preparations, the behind-the-scenes ups and downs, and the anxiousness associated with the Blue Riband Jamaica Derby reach its climax tomorrow (August 6) at Caymanas Park.
Ten colts and one filly line up for the 104th Jamaica Derby, which covers a distance of 12 furlongs.
The Quick Galloper has taken a deep look at the eleven Derby participants with the ultimate aim of finding the winner.
1 - ZULU WARRIOR (chestnut colt {April 27} by Soul Warrior out of Lookatmenow, trained by Howard Bailey with Matthew Bennett riding. Recently broke his maiden, thereby making a winning run almost non-existent.
2 - CROWN CHASER bay colt {January 30} by Bern Identity out of Salty Talk, trained by Anthony Nunes with Shane Ellis aboard. Has prepared well for the task at hand. Crown Chaser’s second-place finish in the 10-furlong Jamaica St Leger is enough to suggest that the extra two furlongs of the Derby will be greatly appreciated. The presence of Shane Ellis in the saddle increases his chances of success.
3 - RUN JULIE RUN grey filly {May 6} by Successful Native out of Runaway Julie, trained by Ian Parsard with Reyan Lewis in the saddle. The only filly brave enough to take on the colts. She has been timely prepared for this encounter and can be said to be in her ackee. Run Julie Run is going to find the going rough, especially after faltering in the final furlong of the ten in the St Leger. To win this one, Run Julie Run has to produce the performance of a lifetime. She will hit the board and earn for her connections.
4 - MACK AND ROME bay colt {February 5} by Bold Conquest out of Gold Miner, trained by Saqlain Roman with Shavon Townsend holding the reins. Can be safely taken out of consideration.
5 - KING PIYE chestnut colt {April 2) by Admiral Alex out of Jamaican Pharoah, trained by Anthony Nunes with Omar Walker as the designated jockey. Has the ability, but after gruelling long races over the past month, King Piye although suited by the trip of 12 furlongs will at best finish in the top six.
6 - INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD bay colt {February 8} by Bold Conquest out of My Friend Lucy, trained by Jason DaCosta with Tevin Foster aboard. The undisputed favourite to win this coveted event following a truly grand effort in winning the 10-furlong St Leger. Intrestntimesahead has been working well in the mornings with onlookers sharing that he looks even better now. This is a talented colt who will not be unduly perturbed by the distance. He is versatile enough to stay with the pace or come from behind. He is the one they all have to beat.
7 - OIL MACHINE chestnut colt {January 28} by Bern Identity out of Keep The Faith, trained by Phillip Elliott with Raddesh Roman in the saddle. Not ready to handle these.
8 - CALIFORNIA CROWN chestnut colt {March 30} by Hedge Fund out of Dream Big, trained by Jason DaCosta with Phillip Parchment holding the reins. The upset winner of the 2000 Guineas used his speed to great effect. The distance of 10 furlongs was his undoing in the St Leger, making an additional two furlongs not to his liking. Then again it is Jason DaCosta and Phillip Parchment
9 - PROVIDENT chestnut colt {April 21} by Sensational Slam out of Dream Point, trained by Jason DaCosta with Robert Halledeen riding. Provident can be considered to be one of the lesser lights in the Derby. He will enjoy every inch of the Derby’s 12 furlongs, so when the speedsters fold in the brutal final two furlongs, that is when Provident will be at his best. An outsider’s bet.
10 - BOLD MOVE bay colt {April 5) by Sunshine N Shadow out of Money Move, trained by Gary Subratie with Aaron Chatrie as the designated rider. Was bold enough to enter, but that is about it.
11 - CAPTAIN SPARROW is a bay colt {March 16} by Savoy Stomp out of Rackam’s Mistress, trained by Anthony Nunes with Edgard Zayas in the saddle. The presence of top-rated jockey Edgard Zayas is enough to significantly upgrade the chances of Captain Sparrow. This bay colt is fit and proper having grown and having looked accomplished in the mornings. He will be a deciding factor.
