KINGSTON, Jamaica – The 2022 The Kingston was contested on Sunday, May 8.
The Graded Stakes event for three-year-old colts and geldings going 7 ½ furlongs attracted 13 starters.
The Quick Galloper turns back the hands of time to check on the progress or lack thereof of these 13 colts and geldings, compiled in finishing order.
FIRST: BLUE VINYL – went on to find success in the 2000 Guineas and the Jamaica St Leger, and then faltered in the Jamaica Derby, finishing third behind Atomica and Brinks. Since the Derby in 2022, Blue Vinyl has not been able to deal with the older horses. Then came 2023, and it has been a rejuvenated Blue Vinyl, winning decisively the two times he has faced the starter. His last victory came on Saturday last (April 29), when Blue Vinyl demonstrated significant progress, giving the clear vindication that he is ready to have a significant say in the higher grades.
SECOND: PERFECT BREW – has moved along quite well; winning in the Overnight Allowance grade to reach Open Allowance. Last raced on Saturday, April 29, finishing second behind Blue Vinyl. Perfect Brew will find success again in Overnight, and the hope is that he can continue upwards to have an effect in the higher classes.
THIRD: SUPREME SONG – did quite well to finish third in the 2022 the Kingston. Supreme Song has been beset by injuries and was subsequently retired.
FOURTH: EMPEROROFTHECATS – despite some health issues, has gone through the classes to reach Overnight Allowance where he is already a winner. Emperorofthecats is a progressive sort, who will find a niche in the classes above Overnight.
FIFTH: BRINKS – delivered his best performance in the Jamaica Derby when he finished second behind Atomica. Regarded as the third-best three-year-old of the 2022 crop, Brinks has gone through his conditions but is yet to win in Overnight.
SIXTH: NO MORE DEALS – has not been able to progress. Still pinging around.
SEVENTH: POWER - finding it difficult. Power recently produced a winning effort, and the hope is that he can finally realise some of his potential.
EIGHTH: THE CITADEL – after starting with two wins from his first two starts, has not progressed. A disappointment.
NINTH: TEKAPUNT – is a regular feature these days on the racing cards. Has a propensity for finishing second or third, always finding one or two better. Tekapunt has been earning his way and will reach Overnight given time. That is about it for Tekapunt.
TENTH: SALUTE THE DEPUTY – has been battling around with limited success.
ELEVENTH: SHADOWFAX – still trying his best to deliver.
TWELFTH: KP CHOICE - has not developed to be prominent among his age group or elsewhere.
THIRTEENTH: DEEZI – the jockey (Anthony Thomas) fell in this race. Deezi subsequently passed on.
