KINGSTON, Jamaica - Trained by Donovan Phillipps and ridden by Paul Francis, Princess Sylvia easily obliged as the favourite in a native-bred four-year-olds and upwards (non-winners of two) and imported four-year-olds and upward (maidens) at 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m) on Saturday, August 5, 2023.
Princess Sylvia wasted no time and quickly assumed the lead leaving the intersection at the 7-furlong (1,400m) pole. The four-year-old chestnut filly held the advantage ahead of Diamond Rock (Oneil Mullings), Don Vincenzo (Dane Dawkins), and Blue Persuasion (Javaniel Patterson).
Princess Sylvia maintained her gallop well going into the half-mile as Diamond Rock continued to challenge for the advantage. However, coming off the final turn entering the drive, Princess Sylvia changed through gears and drew clear in deep stretch for a three-length win margin at the wire.
Jungle Boogie (Matthew Bennett) finished in second place ahead of Don Vincenzo in third. After splits of 24.3 x 48.4 x 1:14.3, the final time was recorded at 1:37.4.
For trainer Phillipps it was his second winner in 2023 from nine starts, while for long-standing jockey Francis, it was win number 15 this year from 96 rides.
