KINGSTON, Jamaica - On Saturday, April 6, 2024, the second race is set to feature a spirited contest among maiden three-year-olds sprinting over six furlongs.
A competitive field of eight young hopefuls will line up at the gates.
Below is an in-depth analysis of the contenders by The Quick Galloper.
HIMAYA, a roan filly born on March 23, is the offspring of Casual Trick and Raksha. Under the care of trainer Jason DaCosta and the guidance of jockey Abigail Able, this filly stands out as the workhorse among the barn's three-year-olds. Himaya is primed for place on the board.
FIRST OFFENCE, a bay colt born on February 21, sired by Conquest Cherimash out of Official Report, comes from Steven Todd's stable with Romario Spencer in control. This colt is back quickly, just five days after finishing second behind Paper Work. Improvement is necessary, and the pressure is on for First Offence to rise to the occasion and secure a win.
OIL MACHINE, a chestnut colt with a January 28 birthday, is the progeny of Bern Identity and Keep The Faith. With Phillip Elliott as the trainer and Roger Hewitt at the helm, this promising young horse will be racing without blinkers. Having shown considerable potential in his initial starts with two seconds and a third, Oil Machine hopes to return to his early form to get a placing.
SOLO BLACK, a bay colt born on March 14, is a son of Northern Giant and Late N Drafty, trained by Lawrence Freemantle with Shane Richardson as the jockey. Morning training reports hint at a promising debut for this newcomer. In a wide-open race, Solo Black could easily surprise and find himself contending for the win.
AFFAIR, born on May 10, is a bay colt by Casual Trick out of Nuclear Affair, with training by Gary Subratie and Reyan Lewis in the saddle. During his last race on March 24 over 5 ½ furlongs, Affair encountered interference, costing him a potential win. Now, with the field as it stands, Affair is well-positioned to break through and claim victory.
UNRULY DON, a bay colt born on April 26 by Savoy Stomp out of Lady Mandi, receives guidance from trainer Oral Hayden with jockey Robert Halledeen aboard. For this newcomer, the race marks the beginning of an educational journey on the track.
ROCK-OLA, a chestnut colt born on April 3, sired by Bold Conquest from Kitty Hawk, is in the hands of trainer Michael Marlowe with Tevin Foster in the jockey's seat. After a commendable performance on March 30, finishing fourth behind Captain Sparrow, Rock-Ola has a solid chance of triumph especially with the top rider directing the charge.
THE GENERAL, born on May 12, is a bay colt by Conquest Cherimash out of Official Report, trained by Steven Todd with Romario Spencer as the jockey. It's important to note that The General will race with the visor removed and blinkers on. His optimal performance could well secure him a spot in the top four.