The Jamaica St Leger, sponsored this year by ISP Finance Services Limited, proved barren ground for the more fancied horses as 35-1 chance Superluminal, trained by Harry Parsard and ridden by Paul Francis, overturned the form books to win the third jewel in the Triple Crown series of races.

The team from Complete Racing Guide analyses the outcome of the 2,000-metre race.

Superluminal – first

What a difference three weeks can make on a horse. Having being soundly beaten by Seeking My Dream in the Jamaica Derby going over 2,400 metres, a rejuvenated Superluminal came up with his best performance to date to win after a rugged duel with favourite Seeking My Dream. The victory by Superluminal (Natural Selection – Thousand Hills) gave trainer Parsard his first Classic win, and jockey Paul Francis his third in the St Leger. The win also firmly established stallion Natural Selection located at the YS (1955) Limited as a sire of Classic winners. A tribute to consistency and the never-say-die attitude and as they say in racing – the race has to be run. First and sixth in the St Leger for trainer Parsard was not a bad reward for a day’s work. Best of luck to Superluminal as he continues his career in Trinidad and Tobago.

Seeking My Dream – second

Seeking My Dream is hell-bent on continuing his racing record of running second, then winning, and then running second again. In Seeking My Dream’s nine starts to date he has maintained this rather unique twist to his career. It was a great run by the Derby winner, who in the end lost to the stronger finisher on the day. By finishing second in the 2,000 Guineas, second in the Lotto Classic for the Governor’s Cup, first in the Cal’s Jamaica Derby and second in the St Leger, Seeking My Dream has beyond doubt established himself as the top three-year-old in training.

Southern Cruise – third

Much was expected from this lightly raced chestnut colt by Western Cruise – Honkeytonyville earlier in the season but was nowhere around in Lotto Classic, or the Derby. However, faith in his ability and potential were restored in the St Leger. A good run by Southern Cruise.

Ali Baba – fourth

Came into the St Leger as a live threat but ran his worst race this season. Ali Baba was around in the early stages but when the pace quickened turning for home, he was left struggling. Packed no punch in the straight. Ali Baba was hampered from the start coming from post position one as he was bogged down on the rails by Shining Light in what seemed a personal struggle between jockeys Halledeen on Ali Baba and Shamaree Muir on Shining Light. Maybe just maybe in the backstretch Halledeen should have used the superior class and speed of Ali Baba and put him in front instead of getting bogged down. A bad effort is always in the offing for any racehorse, and it came for Ali Baba in the St Leger. He has already proven his worth and will do well in the higher classes.

Kronus – fifth

Failed to reproduce the effort of the Derby when finishing third to Seeking My Dream and Ali Baba despite the change of rider to big race jockey Shane Ellis who for this season was unable to find a Classic winner.

Original Train – sixth

Continued the trend of earning in the big races.

Ballon D’Or – seventh

Showed up for a while without disturbing the principals.

Computerize – eighth

Will surely benefit from this experience.

Shine – ninth

Did what he could and nothing more.

Merlin – tenth

As the only filly in the race did not attract much attention.

Shining Light – eleventh

Was the disturbing factor in the race for Ali Baba after which he faded badly to finish last position.

Going into the round mile in the St Leger Ballon D’Or (#4) bounces on the rails in front of Seeking My Dream (39) with Ali Baba (red and white silks) on the inside. Winner Superluminal (#10) races on the outside. The leader at this time Shining Light is just out of the photo. (PHOTOS: JOSEPH WELLINGTON)

Superluminal with Paul Francis winning the St Leger by a length defeating Seeking My Dream and Omar Walker.

Former jockey and now groom of St Leger winner Superluminal, Arthur Langley greets his charge with heartfelt passion.

Even after winning the St Leger for the third time, jockey Paul Francis still cannot hide his euphoria.

The ‘train’ man Harry Parsard receives his trophy for being the St Leger winning trainer from Renee Payne of ISP Finance Services Limited.

Winning the Jamaica St Leger was a family affair for the Parsards. In photo three generations of Parsards come together to celebrate the win by Superluminal. Holding the St Leger trophy at left is Ian Parsard, next to him is his son Peter John, then CEO of ISP Finance Services, Dennis Smith, Janaki – Ian’s daughter, Chad Gooden and at right the patriarch of the family, trainer Harry Parsard, Ian’s father.