Blue Vinyl goes for Triple Crown glory
The native-bred three year olds take centre stage at Caymanas Park tomorrow with the 102nd running of the Jamaica Derby, the third jewel in the Triple Crown series of races. The Derby is run over 12 furlongs (2,400m) for a total purse of $7.5 million.
Ten runners are done to take part as Blue Vinyl, who won the 2000 Guineas and Jamaica Derby, goes in search of Triple Crown glory.
1. MONSIEUR BLUE: (3 b g by Tourist – La Hague) – Released the maiden tag when travelling one mile on July 23. Then Monsieur Blue won easily by 7 ¾ lengths in a time of 1:43.2. That victory cannot be compared with the seasoned runners here but the manner of victory by Monsieur Blue is a clear indication that he is on the improvement and will not be disgraced among the best on offer.
2. RAINSVILLE: (3 gr c by Casual Trick – Fiftyshadesofray) – Rainsville, without any doubt, is going to enjoy the distance but a winning run is unlikely against these and even an earning possibility is difficult.
3. MORIMOTO: (3 b c by Casual Trick – Luckybegood) – After his fifth-place finish in the recent Jamaica St Leger run over 10 furlongs (2,000m), Morimoto returned on July 16 with an eye-catching win at nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) by a length and half ahead in a time of 2:00.0. Morimoto is going to run well as the distance is one which he will enjoy.
4. BRINKS: (3 b g by Bern Identity – Indian Bluff) – Finished second in the 2000 Guineas and third in the Jamaica St Leger with both those defeats coming at the hoofs of Blue Vinyl. Brinks faces Blue Vinyl and all cards are showing another defeat by Blue Vinyl but as is always the case in horse racing, the race has to be run and Brinks is a gritty campaigner who has been painstakingly prepared for this one.
5. SONNY T AND CHIPPY: (3 b c by Savoy Stomp – Trinket Box) – This late bloomer shows the tendency of liking it long. Sonny T And Chippy is developing at the right time and may surprise.
6. ATOMICA: (3 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville) – Brilliant filly who won the 1000 Guineas Classic before being stopped by Blue Vinyl in the Jamaica St Leger. Then Atomica had a rough passage for the first two furlongs of the race before picking up the lead down the backstretch. When Blue Vinyl challenged her approaching the distance, Atomica had no answers but did well to finish second. She has been working well coming into this race and by all indications will get the distance of the Derby. A trouble-free trip could see Atomica denying Blue Vinyl of Triple Crown glory.
7. D HEAD CORNERSTONE: (3 b c by Bern Identity – Soul of the Heart) – Surprised all when finishing fourth in the St Leger. However, after a fourth-place finish two weeks later in a non-two going over 10 furlongs, D Head Cornerstone can only hope for another minor share in the Derby. Note, D Head Cornerstone races with figure 8 off.
8. BLUE VINYL: (3 b g by Bern Identity – Blufield) – Blue Vinyl chases history as after having won the 2000 Guineas and Jamaica St Leger — he takes on the Jamaica Derby, which is the final jewel in the Triple Crown. The Derby distance of 12 furlongs will suit Blue Vinyl and he is going to be very hard to deny. Blue Vinyl has been steadily prepared for this engagement by his trainer with the order of the day being canters at 10 furlongs.
9. PRINCE SANJAY: (3 ch c by Emperor Hall – Dalla Fifty) – Prince Sanjay’s racing performances to date indicate that 12 furlongs will not be an issue, thereby making an earning position quite possible.
10. RUM PUNCHER: (3 ch g by Soul Warrior – Miss Angeline) – A winner on last who should not trouble the main contenders.