Racing aficionados weigh in on the Cal’s Jamaica Derby and the possible winner of the Blue Riband event.

DR PAUL WRIGHT – Owner, breeder, rabid supporter of Tottenham Hotspurs and creator of the now seriously challenged ‘cook food special’ – My exacta for the Derby is Pinelope on top with Bigdaddykool second. And yes, I am taking a filly to win the Derby over the colts and geldings. I have been watching Pinelope in recent times on the exercise track and I have seen her easily put away Sorrentino’s Star, plus she stays forever and a day. It will not be easy for Pinelope to win against horses who are more experienced, but she exudes class, and based on that I am preaching that she is ‘the cook food special’. Bigdaddykool is the main danger and there is also a horse by the name of Future King who definitely has a shot. All in all, we have a most competitive Cal’s Jamaica Derby, which is always good for racing. Pinelope is my firm choice but it is going to be close.

HOWARD HAMILTON – Owner, breeder and president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association – I really like the form of one particular horse and that is the filly Pinelope. She has been running too good not to have a live shot at winning the Derby, plus her gallops in the mornings have been excellent. While it is always difficult to choose a filly over the colts and geldings, it is my firm belief that Pinelope has class and will stay forever, and I know fully well that morning gallops are very different from an actual race day,but I am going to be bold and choose Pinelope. Future King is the main danger. My exacta is therefore Pinelope, Future King.

DR GRAHAM BROWN – Veterinary doctor and president of the Jamaica Racehorse Owners’ Association – Naturally I have to support the horse in which I have a personal interest, Jamai Raja. He ran well in the Governor’s Cup finishing second and now faces the same set of rivals with the possible exception of Future King. Apart from my personal interest in Jamai Raja, I have to be very realistic in my approach to the race, as there are some really good horses competing including Future King, Orpheus, Bigdaddykool and Nuclear Affair. I am, however, giving my full support to Jamai Raja.