Supreme Soul gave racing fans on Saturday (June 29) a Derby run to remember as he under the guidance of “The Canterman”, Shane Ellis demonstrated the true qualities and grit of a special race horse.
He led, he was passed, he rallied and won and those elements were, in a nutshell, the foundation for Supreme Soul’s second Classic win for the year which has set in motion the gears for a thrust at the much-vaunted Triple Crown.
Only the Jamaica Leger, the final of the three jewels in the Triple Crown is left for Supreme Soul to conquer.
We now assess the performance of all nine horses who participated in the 99th running of the Boom Jamaica Derby in the order they finished.
FIRST: Supreme Soul – With no designated speed in the race, jockey Shane Ellis put Supreme Soul in front the moment the gates opened. He led unmolested down the back stretch but was then swooped on by Sentient ridden by young apprentice Christopher Mamdeen after six furlongs of the race were completed. Sentient took over but Supreme Soul with his greater staying ability “bulldozed” home for the victory. This was his second Classic win having won the 2000 Guineas in April. The Derby win by Supreme Soul confirmed his status as the best three-year-old in trained and speaks volumes of the work put in by his trainer, Anthony Nunes and groom, Adrian Taylor. With the St Leger being 10 furlongs, it is difficult to see Supreme Soul not being adorned as a Triple Crown winner mantle. Bred by Soul Warrior – Beware Baby, Supreme Soul has further projected the attributes of his dam, taking into consideration that top Grade One performer, Bigdaddykool is also by Beware Baby. Supreme Soul, Ellis, Nunes and Taylor are indeed worthy winners of the 2019 Jamaica Derby.
SECOND: Sentient – The bloodhounds are now seeking to feast on apprentice Christopher Mamdeen and trainer Gary Subratie for the two-length loss by Sentient in the Derby. Some of these hounds are claiming that Mamdeen moved to early, while others thirsty for blood are reviling the young rider for allowing Supreme Soul to go on the outside which he loves much more than being on the inside rails. This publication strongly believes that Mamdeen did his best and cannot be faulted for the job he did on Sentient in the Derby. Subratie presented Sentient, fit and proper, for the assignment and on the day, Sentient ran his heart out only to be beaten by a better horse. Talk in already circulating that there might be a jockey change for the St Leger but nothing seems to be confirmed as yet. No two ways about it, Sentient is a good race horse whose Derby performance can only be described as classy and tough. He has much more to offer to racing.
THIRD: Tricky One – Once again had to yield to the two top three-year-olds currently in training, Supreme Soul and Sentient. Tricky One raced as expected as one of the backmarkers and did not produce the anticipated kick in the straight.
FOURTH: Princess Ava – Tried her best but was no match for the boys. Princess Ava was however able to turn the stables on her Oaks conqueror.
FIFTH: Princess Annie – The anticipated late kick of the Oaks winner did not materialise and put simply; Princess Annie just cannot manage these at whatever distance.
SIXTH: Sir Ian Links – To actually earn in this race was quite an achievement for Sir Ian Links although way behind the fifth placed horse.
SEVENTH: King Tavari – Was prominent during the early part of the race and that was that for King Tavari.
EIGHTH: Inspired Miracle – Like King Tavari showed up in the early stages then backed out completely.
NINTH: Duke – Much better was expected but look tired at the end. Maybe, Duke should now concentrate his efforts to distances up to a mile.
