Following Sonny T And Chippy’s maiden win on Saturday, July 9, 2022, trainer Spencer Chung is now optimistic of racing the three-year-old bay colt in the upcoming Jamaica Derby, the third and final jewel in the 2022 Triple Crown series of races scheduled for August 6.

Ridden by Dick Cardenas, Sonny T and Chippy led almost every step of the way in a native-bred three-year-old maiden condition race over nine-and-a-half furlongs (1900m) to win by 2 ¼ lengths.

The bay colt took the field past the stands for the first time and into the clubhouse turn but gave up first place to Joe (Dane Dawkins) entering the main track. Still under a snug wrap, Sonny T and Chippy quickly regained the lead, leaving the six furlong (1,200m) and by the time he reached the half-mile, he was well clear of the chasing pack.

Howilookin (Linton Steadman) came with a strong run in deep stretch, but no matter how he tried, he could not get in reach of the winner and had to settle for second money. Manaco (Tevin Foster) finished third. After splits of 26.3 x 53.4 x 1:19.1 x 1:44.4, the final time was recorded at 2:07.3.

“We always knew Sonny T And Chippy was a horse bred in the purple for the longer distant races, being a half brother to Calculus by Savoy Stomp out of rinket Box and how he is confirmed, but we had to get him there with warm-up, and preparational races.

“He needs to be running short distances to get going. This is the first time we have stretched him out, and he responded quite favourably and showed us signs of what he should develop into.

“So now that he has had his maiden victory, his next start could either be a non-winners of two or the Derby. It is now only one month more before the Derby duel and we are a little behind as well. Sonny T And Chippy suffers from a cracked hoof and that is the reason why his racing appearances have been limited.

“The hope now is that he will catch up to make up for time missed,” said trainer Chung.