KINGSTON, Jamaica - The most prestigious race in every racing jurisdiction worldwide, the Derby, will hold its Jamaican edition on Monday, August 7, 2023, at Caymanas Park.
Fourteen three-year-olds will compete in this 12-furlong event. The Quick Galloper's analysis of the runners in the 2023 Jamaica Derby is published below.
1 - SECRET ADMIRAL: A chestnut colt by Admiral Alex out of Secret Cat, trained by Carl Anderson with Roger Hewitt as the jockey. Started strong but has consistently declined.
2 - CALIFORNIA GOLD: A bay colt by Lion Tamer out of Blue Saphira, trained by Patrick Lynch with Youville Pinnock riding. Note that California Gold races with blinkers on and has never raced longer than 7.5 furlongs in his eight-race career. Twelve furlongs will likely be too challenging for California.
3 - UNCHARTER: A bay colt by Hedge Fund out of Little Gidding, trained by Jason DaCosta with Phillip Parchment as the jockey. Uncharter races with the blinkers off and is a maiden racing in the Derby. Winning this prestigious race would be a long shot for Uncharter.
4 - SUPER ALEX: A chestnut colt by Admiral Alex out of Jamaican Pharoah, trained by Carl Anderson with Bebeto Harvey riding. Super Alex races with the blinkers and tongue tie off. It's highly doubtful that a maiden with only three starts can win the Derby.
5 - STEIN: A bay colt by Bern Identity out of Ruby Rose, trained by Gary Subratie with Richard Henry as the jockey. Stein is progressing well; however, the Derby may be coming too early in his career.
6 - MONEY MISER: A chestnut colt by Soul Warrior out of She's Traditional, trained by Fitzroy Glispie with Tevin Foster riding. Money Miser finished second in the St. Leger (10 furlongs) in just his fourth career start. Trainer Glispie has timed Money Miser's development with the Derby in mind. Money Miser should have no problem handling 12 furlongs and is expected to place within the top three.
7 - ABILITY is a bay colt (born April 23) sired by Lion Tamer and out of Disability Charm, trained by Patrick Lynch, with Allen Maragh as the jockey. He finished third in the one-mile Jamaica Guineas, and with normal improvement, he could handle 12 furlongs. A minor place is the best bet for Ability.
8 - ANONYMOUS is a bay colt (born April 15) sired by Lion Tamer and out of Eighteen Karat, trained by Anthony Nunes, with Shamaree Muir riding. Notably, Anonymous races without the figure eight. His recent form doesn't suggest a winning effort.
9 - THALITA is a chestnut filly (born February 16) sired by Soul Warrior and out of Luminous Trieste, trained by Jason DaCosta, with Reyan Lewis riding. She was the victorious heroine in the Jamaica St Leger, defeating the boys by an impressive five lengths. Thalita is this year's only female Derby contender, but her class, determination, and will to win make her a serious threat. Expect Thalita to be in contention at decision time.
10 - STRIKE SMART is a bay colt (born February 16) sired by Wannabeaplayer and out of Profile, trained by Phillip Elliott, with Javaniel Patterson as the jockey. Strike Smart is improving but is unlikely to trouble the leaders.
11 - MOJITO is a grey colt (born March 26) sired by Savoy Stomp and out of Fiftyshadesofgrey, trained by Richard Azan, with Dane Dawkins riding. Notably, Mojito races without Lasix. Despite being this year's top three-year-old contender, his recent performance, an abysmal showing in the 10-furlong Jamaica St Leger (37 days ago), Mojito hasn't had a serious gallop. It remains to be seen how he'll perform, but if race-fit, he's the one to beat.
12 - KAI ON THE GO is a grey colt (born May 10) sired by Midnight Hawk and out of Wild Wild West, trained by Gary Subratie, with Ameth Robles riding. He has no realistic chance of winning the Derby.
13 - HUNTSMAN is a chestnut colt (born April 8) sired by Key To Power and out of Dream Point, trained by Ian Parsard, with Omar Walker riding. His performance in the St Leger didn't meet expectations. However, Huntsman has been specifically prepared for the Derby since his career began, as stated by his trainer. His gradual progress in training suggests a better effort can be expected.
14 - LIFE IS LIFE is a bay colt (born February 18) sired by Natural Selection and out of Little Wasp, trained by Jason DaCosta, with Oshane Nugent riding. Life Is Life isn't likely to trouble the leaders.
