The time is almost at hand for the 95th running of the Jamaica Derby sponsored by Cal’s Manufacturing Limited.

This year’s edition of what is without doubt the mother of all races appears to be a close one with a full house of 16 starters expected to face the starter come Saturday, June 13 in the mile-and-a-half event.

The Complete Racing Guide sought the opinion of several professionals in the racing industry. Their comments are below.

Trainer Gary Subratie – I think that Ali Baba is the horse to beat in the Cal’s Jamaica Derby. He has already beaten his peers in the 2,000 Guineas and ran a close second to Open Allowance horses, from which he will definitely improve. Kronus will be a danger to all based on his win in the Governor’s Cup as well as Poker Star who should be considered, but for me it’s Ali Baba.

Jockey Ian Spence – This race is wide open to anyone of the horses. Ali Baba can get the 2,400 metres and he has got the class but he is not a surety. Merlin is another good stayer. Richard Azan has the pair of Puddy Pooh and Kronus who might cause some problems in the race but to me, the race is wide open as any horse can win.

Owner Carlton Watson – I am looking at Ali Baba; however, Kronus has come and showed us that he can outstay most of the three-year-olds. I think the race is between Ali Baba and Kronus and I am picking Ali Baba to win the Cal’s Jamaica Derby. Ali Baba has proven himself; he ran with Open Allowance company last time and did well for a three-year-old, finishing a close second and so I’m giving him the edge.

Trainer Anthony Nunes – The Cal’s Jamaica Derby will be very competitive. We have some nice three-year-olds but we really don’t know how many of them can stay 12 furlongs, it’s a gruelling trip, but obviously Wayne DaCosta has a strong three-horse attack with Ali Baba, Seeking My Dream and Poker Star, and they should have a say in the final outcome, but racing is racing. That is why they run the races, so we will see how things will pan out.

Trainer Wayne DaCosta – The class horse in the race is obviously Ali Baba, but basically it is going to be a jockey’s race. Going 12 furlongs jockeyship is going to play a major role in the finish of the Cal’s Jamaica Derby. There is going to be a lot of speed and a few come-from-behind horses, so it is going to be a very interesting race from the word say go. The Cal’s Jamaica Derby is certainly one worth going miles to see.

Trainer Lawrence Freemantle – Seeking My Dream will win the Cal’s Jamaica Derby. To me, Seeking My Dream has more stamina and ability than the other three-year-olds. He should get the better of stable companion Ali Baba. Nonetheless, a good race with good horses and a good sponsor.

Jockey Omar Walker – Without a doubt, Seeking My Dream is going to win the Cal’s Jamaica Derby. He has the class, talent and stamina to get the better of his peers going over the testing trip of 12 furlongs. Seeking My Dream has been working good; moving nicely in the mornings and is ready to race.

Trainer Spencer Chung – This year’s Cal’s Jamaica Derby is wide open. Anyone of the three-year-olds can win the race, but I like Ali Baba to win. He is the class horse in the race; he is an A Class three-year-old.

Jockey Paul Francis – The race is wide open. There are some nice, talented three-year-olds and all have the ability to win the Cal’s Jamaica Derby. Anyone of them can win as we really don’t know who can stay the trip of 12 furlongs.

Trainer Lorne Kirlew – My pick is Ali Baba. He ran against older horses at the Open Allowance level and did well to finish a close-up second to stablemate Hover Craft going 1,820 metres, so 12 furlongs won’t be a problem. If the jockey can ride a patient race, then Ali Baba will be a runaway winner in the Cal’s Jamaica Derby.

Jockey Clive Lynch – Trainer Wayne DaCosta holds the key to this race. He has a pair of horses in Ali Baba and Seeking My Dream who I believe are the two horses to beat in the Derby. However, going 12 furlongs, we don’t know if they can get the trip comfortablly but they have the class. My danger horse in the race is Turbo Machine Cat.

Trainer Fitzroy Glispie – I believe Richard Azan’s Kronus will win the Cal’s Jamaica Derby. He proved to be the best stayer among the three-year-olds, his win in the Governor’s Cup tells a lot about his ability, and going two furlongs longer for the Derby he will surely be hard to beat.