KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Winston “Fanna” Griffiths Classic race is set for Sunday, September 8, 2024, and is listed as the day’s ninth.
The event for native-bred three-year-olds non-winner of a Grade One race will feature a competitive field of eight runners at the little-used distance of 9 ½ furlongs.
The assessment of the possible outcome by The Quick Galloper is provided below.
1 - COMEHOMETOME is a bay filly (January 29) by Northern Giant out of Heart of Gold, trained by Jason DaCosta with Tevin Foster riding. Was expected to do better than fourth in the 10-furlong Jamaica Oaks after her second-place finish in the 1000 Guineas. She is going to find it difficult against the colts and also the distance.
2 - KING PIYE is a chestnut colt (April 2) by Admiral Alex out of Jamaican Pharoah, trained by Anthony Nunes with Aaron Chatrie in the saddle. King Piye is known to enjoy a distance of ground. With the likes of Crown Chaser and Run Julie Run not around, King Piye's chances are enhanced but he still has to deal with stablemate Captain Sparrow, who finished third in the Derby. Another place on the board is the best outcome for King Piye.
3 - ALLEGIANCE is a chestnut colt (February 26) by Midnight Hawk out of Princess Geeta, trained by Anthony Nunes with Omar Walker holding the reins. Bypassed the Jamaica Derby to compete in a seven-furlong race on August 16 where he finished second by 4 ¾ lengths behind Antarctica. To challenge Captain Sparrow, he will need to significantly improve his performance with 9 ½ furlongs not his best choice of distance. `
4 - CAPTAIN SPARROW is a bay colt (March 16) by Savoy Stomp out of Rackam’s Mistress, trained by Anthony Nunes with Reyan Lewis aboard. His close third-place finish in the Jamaica Derby behind Crown Chaser is a clear demonstration of his talent and ability to handle the distance. It is redemption time for Captain Sparrow.
5 - BRENDA BOY is a bay colt (April 3) by Savoy Stomp out of Delightful Brenda, trained by Victor Williams with Raddesh Roman as the designated jockey. Lacks the class and speed of his main protagonists and is unlikely to contend for the top prize.
6 - AMMA is a bay filly (February 3) by Bern Identity out of Blufield, trained by Peter-John Parsard with Shavon Townsend aboard. Cannot manage these opponents.
7 - PROVIDENT is a chestnut colt (April 21) by Sensational Slam out of Dream Point, trained by Jason DaCosta with Arnaldo Bocachica holding the reins. Provident’s fifth-place finish in the Jamaica Derby was disappointing, but he is going to step up a place or two in this one. He enjoys going long but lacks the speed necessary to be prominent enough to strike effectively when called upon. Again, Provident will pick up the pieces.
8 - ROSETTA is a roan filly by (April 6) by Bold Conquest out of Khadiliah, trained by Jason DaCosta with Robert Halledeen riding. Will have to be at her best and more to win this one.
