Jamai Raja is yet to race against the leading lights on the track thus far in his career, yet he is already causing some concerns for expected rivals in the Diamond Mile scheduled to be run on Saturday December 10. The Diamond Mile is sponsored by Supreme Ventures Limited and the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission. Affiliate sponsors include ISP Finance Limited, ATL Automotive Limited and the Jamaica Observer.

The concerns regarding the potential of the improving three-year-old chestnut gelding, Jamai Raja were strengthened on Saturday by another impressive victory, this time at the Overnight Allowance level.

With apprentice Bebeto Harvey doing the riding honours, the Elite Bloodstock Limited-owned, Richard Azan-trained Jamai Raja (Market Rally – Angela’s Favourite) raced into second position behind Zackontheattack (Jerome Innis) for most of the way in the 1,700-metre event.

When Jamai Raja picked up the lead at the half mile it was all over, as the chestnut gelding, in response to the move from Harvey, sprinted away from rivals in the lane to win by nine lengths. The winning time was a notable 1:44.3 minutes (track record – 1:42.1 minutes). This was the third-consecutive win by Jamai Raja.

Although Jamai Raja may be considered as an underdog to win the Diamond Mile, Azan said that his charge might create some anxious moments for rivals.

“This is his third race in a row he has won, and each race is better than the one before. It was a very great performance by

Jamai Raja on Saturday and he did a very good time as well, plus he is showing that he belongs with the top-class of horses.

“And so, we are going to give him the opportunity to run in the Diamond Mile and see what happens. I am going to tell you something, I think he is going to surprise many people in the Diamond Mile. This horse is a very good horse and he is getting better and better each time. Harvey will remain in the saddle,” Azan told the Complete Racing Guide.

Much was expected from Jamai Raja during the three-year-old Classic but he failed against his peer, with his best run coming last May in the Governor’s Cup where he finished second behind ‘hot property’ at the moment, Bigdaddykool. In that same race, Jamai Raja defeated Orpheus.