He has already won the 2,000 Guineas and the Jamaica Oaks this season, but come tomorrow when the call for “riders up” is made and he gets atop Future King, Robert Halledeen knows it won’t be just another day at the office. Not on this day and not for this race. This is the Cal’s Jamaica Derby, the most prestigious race in local horse racing.

Halledeen fully appreciates that although this is the second time he is riding in a Derby, after finishing second on Ali Baba in last year’s race, it’s the Blue Riband event that lives forever.

“Last year, I was so excited when I got my first opportunity to ride in a Derby and I must thank trainer Wayne DaCosta for that opportunity.

“This time again, I am thankful for another chance to ride in the Derby, but for sure I am more confident, happy and ready,” Halledeen said.

Halledeen clearly indicated that winning the Cal’s Jamaica Derby would be a dream come true for him.

“Everybody wants to win this race. This is the most prestigious race and it would be really good if I win the Derby. Tomorrow I will get my second shot at it and I am ready for it,” he declared.

Unlike last year when there was doubt in everybody’s mind as to whether or not Ali Baba would stay the Derby distance, this year Halledeen has a really good chance of making his dream come true as his mount Future King has a very good chance of winning.

“ Future King has been training really well coming into this race. He has done everything that has been asked of him and hopefully tomorrow he’ll put his best foot forward.

“I am very confident in his chances after his third-place finish in his last race, which was at the Open Allowance level,” he said.