KINGSTON, Jamaica - The ninth race of ten on Saturday, February 24, 2024, is named in honour of 2023 champion owner, Carlton Watson.
The event is a three-year-old maiden call for locally bred horses and a maiden for three-year-old foreigners.
Interest in this event is heighten as two of the top three finishers in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes make their three-year-old debut.
The Quick Galloper’s assessment of the ten horses nominated is provided below in post-position order.
1 – RICHES TO RAGS is a three-year-old chestnut filly (USA April 21) by Union Rags out of Place Des Vosges, trained by Philip Feanny with Dane Dawkins aboard. This contender, Riches To Rags, has demonstrated commendable consistency by securing the third spot in both of her previous races. With valuable track experience under her belt and favourable morning training sessions, she stands as a formidable presence, ready to play a pivotal role in the upcoming event.
2 – BLU SENSATION is a three-year-old bay filly (February 12) by Blue In The Grass, trained by Peter-John Parsard with Delroy Beharie in the saddle. Blu Sensation catapulted into contention in January with a noticeable victory over a distance of 7 ½ furlongs, outperforming Amma, who has subsequently delivered one of the season's better efforts performances among three-year-olds. Blu Sensation is adept at conserving energy just behind the leaders, poised to unleash a powerful surge down the home stretch.
3 - CHESNEY is a three-year-old chestnut filly (USA April 14) by Solomini out of El Coyote, trained by Steven Todd with Bebeto Harvey aboard. Chesney has captured the attention of numerous observers during her morning workouts. It is a widespread belief that, in due course, Chesney will find success.
4 – ALLEGIANCE is a three-year-old chestnut colt (February 26) by Midnight Hawk out of Princess Geeta, trained by Anthony Nunes with Paul Francis aboard. Beat Blu Sensation convincingly on January 6, going seven furlongs in a slow time of 1:30.0. That result alone, plus continued improvement at exercise, is enough to give Allegiance a shout.
5 – AMAZING FORCE is a three-year-old bay colt (USA May 9) by Leofric out of White Wedding Day, trained by Philip Feanny with Tevin Foster holding the reins. Finished eight lengths second on debut behind Funcaandun. Then Amazing Force had the better of stablemate Riches To Rags. Amazing Force with that experience under his belt can be backed for a place on the board.
6 – LUCY IN THE SKY is a three-year-old (March 23) by Liquidity out of Tap A Bay Yankee, trained by Jason DaCosta with Jerome Innis riding. Was way behind Amazing Force and Riches To Rags recently, and should not be a factor.
7 – FASTNFURIOUSLINKS is a three-year-old roan filly (February 15) by Casual Trick out of Another Fury, trained by Barrington Bernard with Javaniel Patterson aboard. Finished third in the one-mile Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes, beaten by Intrestntimesahead and Run Julie Run. Fastnfuriouslinks has come along nicely at exercise but with Run Julie Run again present, it is highly unlike she will turn the tables.
8 - POPE’S LADY is a three-year-old bay filly (USA) by Catholic Boy out of Cheers To That, trained by Steven Todd with Philip Parchment in the saddle. Morning reports suggest that this first-timer has been putting in some worthwhile splits. Pope’s Lady is going to have a say in this one and should be watched.
9 – RUN JULIE RUN is a three-year-old grey filly (May 6) by Successful Native out of Runaway Julie, trained by Ian Parsard with Omar Walker riding. Note, Run Julie Run races with the blinkers on. Makes her seasonal debut after a bold second placed run in the premier juvenile event, the one mile, Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes on December 26, 2023. Since then Run Julie Run has been rested, and painstakingly prepared for her first effort as a three-year-old. Run Julie Run is the choice.
10 – COMEHOMETOME is a three-year-old bay filly (January 29) by Northern Giant out of Heart of Gold, trained by Jason DaCosta with Reyan Lewis aboard. Was nowhere around in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes in which Fastnfuriouslinks and Run Julie Run were way ahead. Then in her first start as a three-year-old, Comehometome looked good in second place behind She’s A Godgift. Can be considered to be a viable outsider.
