A leap of fate to the Derby
After Great Faith’s win in the Restricted Allowance event for native-bred three-year-olds, non-winners of two for fillies last Saturday, trainer Gary Subratie says he is thinking about starting the bay filly in the Jamaica Derby on June 24.
Coming off two fifth-place finishes in the 1000 Guineas over a mile (1,600m), and the Jamaica Oaks over 10 furlongs (2,000m),
Great Faith made light work of her eight challengers, winning by more than six lengths going seven and a half furlongs (1,500m).With Paul Francis doing the riding honours,
Great Faith raced off the pace but in close proximity to
True Whisper (Jemar Jackson) and
Princess Brianna (Wesley Henry), the latter two tussling for the lead.Once
Great Faith took over proceedings approaching the half mile (800m), it was clear what the outcome would be — she powered away in the stretch for an easy win with Francis motionless in the saddle.
Thornhill Miss (Rayan Wilson), who was prominent throughout the race, was a clear second some 10 lengths in front of
Princess Katriel (Omar Walker) and
Blue Tradition, the mount of Robert Halledeen, in that order.A bay filly by
Forest Danger out of the
Devil His Due mare
May Flower,
Great Faith completed the distance in a time of 1:33.3.Subratie was very happy with what he described as a most encouraging run by his charge.“This is a really good performance by
Great Faith here today (Saturday), as she really ran well to win. She showed what I had thought of her earlier in the season — a filly with talent.“She (
Great Faith) has been disappointing to me in the previous Classic races but today (Saturday) she showed a little class, which I know she always had. and so we will move from here and see what happens,” Subratie told the
Complete Racing Guide.As to her participation in the Jamaica Derby on June 24, Subratie said: “We are thinking about it. Going to the Jamaica Derby is something that we are thinking about and we know a decision has to be made soon.”
